Grosvenor casinos and Mecca Bingo operator Rank Group PLC (LSE:RNK) confirmed a stronger return to growth in the UK than expected.
Net gaming revenue (NGR) grew 12% in the first quarter to £197.5 million, with digital NGR growth of 15% outstripping physical venues, which grew 10%.
Rank said it expects operating profit for the full year to be “in line with expectations”.
Chief executive John O’Reilly stated: "We have continued to build on the momentum that we have generated over the past year and a half, and I am very pleased with our start to this financial year.
“With all business units performing well, the double-digit growth in our Grosvenor venues and UK digital business is particularly encouraging, with customers clearly enjoying the improvements we are making across our land-based estate and to our digital offering.”
Rank Group shares added 2% when markets opened on Thursday.