Mecca Bingo-owner Rank Group PLC (LSE:RNK) will be hoping a resurgence in bingo, sparked by government intervention, will be enough to help showcase strong growth when it reports preliminary full-year results on Thursday 17 August.
Launching the gambling white paper earlier this year, one key focus for the government was reigniting and supporting land-based venues, particularly bingo halls, by exploring permitting side bets and easing restrictions on some machines.
Interest in the leisure activity skyrocketed last month, with Google searches of the game reaching record levels, according to research by industry analysts.
“While bingo was once touted as a pastime reserved for the older generation, in recent years it seems to have garnered broader appeal,” said Sue Dawson at Best New Bingo Sites.
When the London-listed owner of the Grosvenor casino brand last updated investors back in May, it reported a 13% uptick in overall sales to reach £174 million in the third quarter.
Revenue growth was driven by a 15% jump in Grosvenor sales and a 16% rise in its digital offerings, while its Mecca venues and Spanish operations lifted by 9% and 8% respectively.