Mecca firm lifted by online betting

Mecca Bingo owner Rank Group has notchedup a hike in sales thanks to a boost from online betting.

The group, which also owns the Grosvenor Casinos chain, yesterday said like-for-like revenueslifted 2 per cent in the 16 weeks to 15 October as a 19 per cent surge in online sales offset a 1 per cent fall in trade at its casinos and bingo halls.