UK gambling company Rank Group has announced profits are higher than expected for the previous year.

The group, which operations include Mecca Bingo and BlueSQ sports book, have seen profits rise by as much as 40%. The strong performance is said to be attributed to the success of the companies land based casino chain Grosvenor, in addition to the continued stabilisation of Mecca Bingo.

While the Rank Group can concede that bingo halls throughout the UK will continue to close thanks to the proposed Tax hike, they are staying positive and have seen great results following the opening of a new hall in Beeston.

Plans for other new halls to be set up in a similar manner are now being penned.