Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross Visits Grosvenor Casino in Liverpool to Learn More About the Sector

Minister for Gambling, Baroness Fiona Twycross, returned to the Grosvenor Casino in Liverpool during the Labour Party Conference to learn more about the UK’s land-based casino sector and see first-hand the latest safer gambling measures in place.

This was the Minister’s second visit to the casino, underlining her ongoing interest in the role the sector plays in supporting jobs, tourism, and entertainment in major UK cities. The visit was hosted by John O’Reilly, CEO of Rank Group, which operates Grosvenor Casinos across the UK, alongside Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO, Grainne Hurst.

Baroness Twycross met with staff working across the venue to hear about their roles, customer care initiatives, and the contribution casinos make to local communities and the wider leisure and tourism economy.

UK casinos, a pillar of the leisure and tourism sector, employ more than 10,000 people, welcome over 13 million customer visits each year, contribute around £300 million annually in taxes, and generate an estimated £800 million for the economy.

The Rank Group has recently announced a programme of new investment in its Grosvenor Casinos estate, including refurbishments, upgraded gaming floors, improved hospitality offers, and enhanced safer gambling tools designed to provide customers with greater control and support.

However, industry leaders have warned that any new or higher gambling taxes would put this progress at risk – hitting jobs, investment, and local economies, and making it harder for casinos to deliver on the Government’s pro-growth agenda.

Grainne Hurst, BGC CEO, said:

“It was fantastic to visit Grosvenor Casino Liverpool alongside Baroness Twycross, giving her the chance to meet staff and see the investment being made in venues right across the country.

Casinos like Grosvenor are part of the fabric of Britain’s night-time economy – offering entertainment, hospitality, and jobs in major cities and towns. But they are also leading the way on safer gambling, ensuring that customers can enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible environment.”

The BGC represents over 90 per cent of the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK, including the land-based casino sector, bookmakers on hard-pressed high streets, and online operators. BGC members contribute £6.8 billion to the economy, generate £4 billion in taxes, and support 109,000 jobs.

Each month, around 22.5 million people in Britain enjoy a bet – on the lottery, in bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls, and online – with the overwhelming majority doing so safely and responsibly. The most recent NHS Health Survey for England found that 0.4 per cent of the adult population are problem gamblers.