New-look casinos prove winner for Rank as revenues increase

Gaming group Rank yesterday hailed the growing appeal of its new-style casinos as it reported "encouraging" trading in a difficult climate.

The group's Grosvenor Casinos arm was its strongest performer, with like-for-like revenues up 4 per cent in the 12 weeks to December 27.

Rank is converting several sites to its G Casino brand, designed to appeal to the non-gambler looking for a fun night out as well as a flutter.

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Like-for-like customer visits were up 7 per cent, although Rank was also flattered by trading comparisons with the worst depths of the recession a year earlier. New casinos were opened in Coventry, Dundee and Sheffield during the period.

The firm also held comparative revenues at its Mecca Bingo clubs steady despite "significant" disruption from the winter weather in December, with lower customer visits offset by increased average spend. The firm said 2009 results would top City forecasts due to resilient trading, lower financing costs and a cost clampdown.

Rank plans to maintain investment in the business despite an "uncertain" consumer outlook this year.

As well as its G Casino brand, the firm launched a new 'Full House' bingo club concept last year in a bid to appeal to younger players.

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Rank opened sites at Beeston in Nottingham and Catford in south-east London and plans to launch a third at Oldbury, West Midlands at end of the month.

Rank's online arm – which owns the Blue Square betting site – picked up after a difficult first half, although like-for-like revenues at its struggling Spanish business were down 1 per cent.

Rank has 35 casinos and 103 bingo clubs in the UK, with two casinos in Belgium and 11 bingo clubs in Spain.