News February 2026
10,000 jobs lost in UK retail since 2019 Operator News
Te Betting and Gaming Council has warned that the Government’s unfair business rates system is accelerating the loss of businesses from Britain’s high streets, including betting shops, undermining local jobs, investment and local authority revenues. Betting shops are disappearing from Britain’s
high streets, with official figures showing a 30 per cent fall in numbers since 2019. Nationally, betting shop numbers have declined from 8,304 in 2019 to 5,825 by March 2025, resulting in over 10,000 job losses and reduced business rate income for local councils. Further closures are expected as recent
gambling tax rises place additional pressure on operators that run both online and retail businesses. Although betting shops themselves
First dedicated Aristocrat space in UK Operator News
London casino operator Metropolitan Gaming, in partnership with Aristocrat Gaming, has launched Aristocrat on the Square, a premium new gaming experience for guests at Empire Casino in London and the first dedicated Aristocrat Gaming space in the UK. Aristocrat on the Square showcases an
impressive lineup of popular Aristocrat Gaming titles tailored specifically for the UK, including popular releases like NFL Triple Score, Lightning Link, Mo Mummy, and Bao Zhu Zhao Fu Link. Te space is designed to elevate the player
experience, highlighted by an engaging LED ceiling and upscale décor that create an inviting
Fanatics rolls out prediction markets Operator News
Great Canadian and Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation have announced an agreement to relocate Casino Nova Scotia’s Halifax operations to a brand-new, purpose-built casino destination that Great Canadian will construct in the Dartmouth Crossing, creating a signature development that will redefine entertainment and economic opportunity in the region, and establish a new tourism anchor in Nova Scotia. Te agreement and Great Canadian’s obligations
lounge atmosphere. “Te debut of Aristocrat on the Square at
Empire Casino marks a significant milestone for Aristocrat Gaming, reinforcing our commitment to customers across EMEA and expanding our
to construct the purpose-built casino are subject to standard development and regulatory conditions. Under the current Provincial operating contract,
NSGC has the right to acquire Casino Nova Scotia’s Halifax property from Great Canadian for nominal consideration. NSGC provided Great Canadian with notice that NSGC has decided to acquire the site, with the Province intending to then sell the property to a third party for the best possible value. Te Province intends to lease-back the existing
facility from any third-party buyer so that Great Canadian can continue to operate the Casino Nova Scotia Halifax property in the normal course while
did not face a direct tax increase, many operators work from a single balance sheet, meaning higher online gambling taxes will inevitably impact retail estates, affecting investment, staffing and shop viability. Betting shops continue to play an important
role on hard-pressed high streets, supporting around 42,000 jobs, contributing nearly £1bn a year in direct tax, and generating £60m annually in business rates. Research by ESA Retail found that 89 per cent of betting shop customers visit other nearby businesses, supporting wider high street footfall.
Japan to revisit casino projects in May 2027 Legislation
Despite the first round of casino licensing only bringing forward one project, the Japan Tourism Agency has confirmed that it will be launching a second round of casino proposals in May 2027. Te Agency will be accepting applications from local
governments over a six-month period, from May 6 2027 to November 5, 2027, and has published a draft Cabinet order detailing the next round of applications where regions wanting to develop an Integrated Resorts with a gaming floor. Te draft is already out for public feedback.
presence in the UK as we continue delivering world‑class gaming experiences to players around the globe,” said Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming. “Te launch of Aristocrat on the Square at
Empire Casino represents an exciting new chapter for Metropolitan Gaming,” said Alex Oswald, Managing Director of Metropolitan Gaming. “As the first dedicated Aristocrat Gaming space in the UK, it reflects our focus on creating distinctive, premium environments that elevate the player experience. To celebrate the launch, Empire Casino will
host a month-long Home of the Hot Seats promotion throughout February, offering players the opportunity to win vouchers, free play, and more.
the new Dartmouth Crossing facility is completed, which is anticipated to be in 2029. Great Canadian and NSGC have agreed on an
extended 25-year operational term following the planned 2029 opening of the new casino in Dartmouth Crossing, subject to certain rights held by NSGC. Commencement of construction is subject to all required development and building approvals. Should the new casino not proceed for any reason, Casino Nova Scotia will continue operations under the current agreement. In the meantime, Casino Nova Scotia’s existing waterfront site will remain fully operational.
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