Rank Group said its first-quarter revenue grew driven by higher visitor numbers and gaming revenue, and despite a challenging environment.

The gambling group–which houses the Grosvenor casino and Mecca bingo brands among its portfolio– said Thursday that for the first quarter ended Sep. 30 the group like-for-like net gaming revenue was up 11% to 179.6 million pounds ($218 million).

Average weekly net gaming revenue rose 10% on the quarter to GBP6.4 million. The trading environment continues to be challenging with continuing high inflation and interest rates and consumer discretionary expenditure remaining under pressure.  However, following a positive performance across our businesses in Q1, we are on track to deliver 2023/24 full year revenue and profit growth in line with expectations.

John O’Reilly, Chief Executive, said:  “I am pleased to report that Rank has made a strong start to the year. After an encouraging second half of 2022/23, we have maintained the momentum through the first quarter of 2023/24 and have made good progress in driving revenue and profit growth across the Group. Going forwards, we remain focused on delivering the key growth initiatives within our digital business and preparing our UK venues for the critical modernising reforms in the Government’s review of the gambling legislation.  These reforms, which are planned to be implemented by next summer, will help Grosvenor and Mecca to better meet the needs of our existing and prospective customers.”