Rank Group underlying profit rises 21% as casino and digital growth drive performance

The Rank Group PLC reported a 21% rise in underlying operating profit for the year to June 30, 2026, as growth across its casino, bingo and digital businesses offset higher taxes, regulatory costs and inflationary pressures. Underlying operating profit increased to £78.6 million from £64.8 million, while like-for-like net gaming revenue (NGR) rose 6% to £834.1 million. Underlying earnings per share increased 15% to 10.5p and the full-year dividend was lifted 35% to 3.50p per share. Net cash before IFRS 16 leases improved 25% to £56.8 million. Statutory operating profit fell 7% to £55.7 million, reflecting separately disclosed items including a £6.5 million loss linked to a payment fraud incident in Spain and a £5 million provision for a proposed Gambling Commission settlement. Growth across venues and digital Grosvenor Casinos remained Rank's largest business, with like-for-like NGR up 5% to £397.3 million and underlying operating profit increasing 11% to £35.5 million. Gaming machine revenue rose 11% following the rollout of 850 additional machines across 37 casinos, with Rank identifying further optimisation of the machine estate as a key growth opportunity. Digital like-for-like NGR increased 8% to £248.5 million, while underlying operating profit rose 8% to £37.9 million. Mecca bingo venues recorded a 4% increase in like-for-like NGR to £143 million, with underlying operating profit more than doubling to £8.9 million.