Response to Joint Committee

Rank Group PLC
22 July 2004




                   RESPONSE TO JOINT COMMITTEE'S SECOND REPORT

The Rank Group Plc ('Rank') has noted the publication today of the second report
to be issued by the Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill (Regional
Casinos) (the 'Committee') and broadly welcomes its conclusions.

The recommendations set out in today's report take account of many of the issues
raised by the UK industry following the publication of the Government's response
to the Committee's first report. In particular, the Committee has responded to
concerns that the relatively low threshold proposed for 'regional casino' status
would result in a larger number of regional casinos being built than had
originally been envisaged, with a consequent proliferation of Category 'A'
machines. In addition, the Committee has also recognised the need to ensure that
existing gaming premises are able to compete with new entrants on a more equal
footing.

The Committee's second report is another detailed and comprehensive document.
Rank welcomes in particular the following recommendations:

• the minimum floor area for 'regional/leisure destination' casinos should
  be increased to 7,500 square metres (from 5,000 square metres as previously
  suggested) and they should be the subject of a separate planning class;

• 'regional/leisure destination' casinos should not be located in close
   proximity to residential properties;

• both 'small' and 'large' casinos, licensed before August 2003, should be
  allowed to offer a proportion of their gaming machines as Category 'A'
  machines. The exact number should be informed by the Government's Revised
  Regulatory Impact Assessment and Competition Assessment and should be
  reviewed after three years;
   
• reflecting the more restrictive regulatory environment, Category 'B'
  machines located in casinos, in comparison to those located in bingo clubs
  and betting shops, should be allowed greater flexibility on the range of
  stake and prize offered to customers; and
   
• the first formal review of the impact of the Bill should take place
  after three years, not after the second prevalence study, as originally
  envisaged.

Commenting on the Committee's latest report, Mike Smith, Rank's Chief Executive
said:

'Once again, after a process a consultation with the industry, the Joint
Scrutiny Committee has made a significant contribution to the reform of the UK's
outdated gaming and gambling legislation. Rank very much hopes that the DCMS
will accept the Committee's recommendations and work with the industry to secure
new, workable legislation at the first possible opportunity.'

                                    - ends -

Enquiries:

The Rank Group Plc                 020 7535 8031
Peter Reynolds

The Maitland Consultancy           020 7379 5151
Suzanne Bartch


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