Stanley Leisure, one of the UK’s biggest casino operators, has announced a 97 per cent increase in pre-tax profit for the year ended 30 April 2006.

The increase, from £16.2m in 2005 to £31.9m, has been attributed to a 17 per cent increase in attendance at the company’s provincial casinos.

Turnover also increased by 2 per cent from £220m the previous year to £224.8m.

Bob Wiper, chief executive, said: “We have made significant progress in our five year development programme and this, combined with Stanley’s strong pipeline of new licences, positions the group well to capture further benefits arising from deregulation.”

Last year, the government introduced new gaming laws, which included the decision to drop 24-hour membership rules. Details: www.stanleyleisure.com