Digital NGR rose by 6% to £64.9 million, led by 6% growth in the UK and a 7% increase for Mecca’s online brand. Rank said UK customer activity held up even after higher gaming taxes took effect in April 2026 and the company reduced above-the-line marketing. International digital revenue grew 4%.
Grosvenor venues grew by 6% to £108.1 million on a 1% rise in visits and 5% higher spend per visit. Chief Executive Richard Harris cited the progress in terms of gaming machine performance in Grosvenor, where machine revenue was up 14%. Mecca venues were flat at £32.2 million as visits dropped 3%, a decline Rank blamed mainly on an extended period of hot weather. Enracha venues grew 7%. During the quarter, Rank shut three venues in Swansea, Reading Central, and Sunderland after deciding they had no medium-term future.
CEO Harris stated:
“I am pleased with the revenue growth we have seen in the first quarter, particularly the progress we continue to make in terms of gaming machine performance in Grosvenor and the resilience of our UK digital business.”
The results come shortly before the UK Budget, which could include a rise in Machine Games Duty (MGD). Harris said any hikes would increase costs, reduce venue viability, lead to venue closures and job losses.
Additionally, Rank expects full-year like-for-like operating profit to match market expectations if the UK tax regime stays unchanged.
