Rank Group, the operator of Mecca Bingo clubs surprised the market yesterday with an increase in share value and issued dividends to its shareholders.

The group suffered badly with the start of the smoking ban last year,  now has  decided to pay dividends due to the growth in revenue in both well known bussinesses, Mecca Bingo and G Casinos.

The Cheif Executive Ian Burke, told us 2007 had been a "horrible year" for bingo and games of that type due to the smoking ban, and the change in the rules for the gaming machines also hitting the bingo world hard, were long behind them as the industry is showing signs of recovery.

The surprise results has shown that the net debt has dropped from £227 million to £187 million and the recent trading means that Mecca can now pay out a dividend of 1.35p per share.  The share price also rose by 3.9p to 98.05p the highest point in the last 2 years.

Rank has said the improvements mean that none of their bingo estate is showing up losses and further improvements to the clubs are on the way as confidence in the bingo marketplace is growing.

Bingo Supermarket had previously reported on the new concept of clubs since the launch of Mecca Bingo in Beeston.  the new bingo concept that appeals to a widder audience with late night themed bingo and noisy rooms is going to be extended into as many as 50 clubs in their 103 bingo estate.