Rank Group has delivered a stronger first half performance as momentum returned to its venues and digital growth continued to improve. Group net gaming revenue increased 6% to £362.6m (US$460m) and statutory operating profit rose to £31.8m. Adjusted profit before tax reached £19.8m, supported by operating leverage and greater stability in visitor behaviour.
Grosvenor Casinos reported 4% revenue growth as customer numbers improved across both London and provincial properties. Mecca recorded 6% growth, helped by extended opening hours, enhanced food and beverage offerings and refreshed gaming machine estates.
Spanish operator Enracha delivered 10% growth, underpinned by higher spend per visit and continued recovery in the retail sector. Rank’s digital division achieved 10% growth as new content, improved app performance and ongoing platform upgrades drove higher levels of engagement.
The group confirmed that further enhancements will be required ahead of the rise in Remote Gaming Duty to 23% in April 2026 which will increase cost pressures across the sector.
Rank also reaffirmed its medium term goal of reaching £100m in operating profit as venue recovery strengthens and digital efficiencies progress.
John O’Reilly, Chief Executive of The Rank Group said: “We continue to deliver improving results which demonstrate the resilience of the Group and our ability to take advantage of the opportunities available to us, both online and in our venues. Customers recognise the investment and improvements we have been making and are responding enthusiastically. Both the underlying metrics and medium-term outlook for the business remain encouraging, and we have the building blocks in place to capitalise on the opportunities ahead of us. The second half of the year will bring further cost headwinds, principally in our UK digital business, which will be impacted by the UK Government’s huge increase in tax rates. We have already executed measures to mitigate some of this impact, whilst continuing to prioritise customer experience, and the Group will respond with agility as a heavily disrupted landscape takes shape in the UK. As I retire as CEO of Rank, I would like to pay tribute to my highly talented colleagues across the Group for their enduring commitment to our customers which has again delivered another strong set of results. I am delighted that, as Interim CEO, Richard Harris will now take Rank to the next stage of what I am sure is a very bright future.”
Rank said current trading has started positively in the second half with encouraging levels of customer activity across all divisions. The group will continue to focus on execution, cost discipline and investment in product to support long term growth.
Rank installed more than 850 new gaming machines across Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca venues during the period
