Rank upbeat as the punters flock in

14th Apr 2011 08:18

Casino and online betting operator Rank said it made a positive start to the year as customers and customer visits rose strongly.Rank, which operates Mecca Bingo chain the second largest in Britain, said revenue from its Mecca bingo halls increased 4% in the 15 weeks to 10 April 2011 as visitors spent more per visit. "Despite the challenges facing our businesses, the group remains confident in its prospects for the year and the achievement of its longer-term ambitions," the group said in a company statement.Meanwhile revenue from Rank's Spanish bingo chain, Top Rank Espana, sank 20% after it was negatively affected by the introduction of a full smoking ban on 2 January 2011.Rank said it was in the process of implementing a plan to mitigate the effect of the ban on its two Belgian casinos. The Belgium government has announced that a full ban on smoking in enclosed public places, including casinos, will be implemented 1 July 2011.Rank Interactive saw a 23% increase in revenue due to strong growth from Bluesq.com and Meccabingo.com.Rank also said it received a tax and interest charge rebate worth around £154m from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). CJ