Any bright ideas as to why Rank has taken a beating today?
Currently down over 30p and usually it is not terribly exciting
but fairly reliable.

Can't be sure but I'm guessing that this might have something to do with it. This from London Clubs International:


London Clubs International plc
('London Clubs')

Response to Government's statement on National Policy on Casinos

London Clubs notes today's announcement from Her Majesty's Government with
regard to its National Policy on Casinos.

London Clubs is extremely disappointed that the Government has restricted
further the modernisation of gaming regulation. This is against a background of
the Budd report, the Government's own report 'Safe Bet for Success' and the
recommendations by the Joint Scrutiny Committee. However, London Clubs will
seek to maximise the benefit to its existing estate from the relaxation of
membership rules and the ability to advertise.

London Clubs has maintained a highly flexible strategy, which enables it to
maximise any further opportunity that the modernisation of legislation would
allow. Locations have been secured, which will be suitable for the
establishment of regional, large and small casinos. London Clubs is confident
that it will be successful in obtaining licences in these new categories.



Same sector, so maybe same concerns.

Cheers Prince Frog!
:>)

Just checked - stanley leisure has also been heavily hit - I think
you've hit it on the head there Froggy!

Pleasure is all mine, oh fluffy one :-)

:>)
(Actually having typed that I did wonder if I would get a response
of Ta Very Much but it should be Princess Frog - glad I guessed
the right gender LOL!!)

The number of regional supercasinos has been reduced from 40 to eight in both categories (small casinos and large casinos). Both categories which had not previously been capped are restricted to a total number of new casino projects of now just 24.

Statement is: "Limiting the number of regional casinos to eight in the first phase is a cautious move that will allow us to test the impact of a new kind of casino on the levels of problem gambling," Sport and Tourism Minister Richard Caborn said in a statement.

Hope this helps Fluffy Bun, Brocks

Citywire comment bunny:

Gaming stocks tumbled after the government announced fresh restrictions on the building of small and large casinos, throwing the expansion plans of Rank, Stanley Leisure and London Clubs International into doubt.

Rank Group , slumped 36.5p to 260p, Stanley Leisure , which forged a joint venture with Malaysian casino operator Genting last month, slid 43.75p to 433p, while London Clubs International, crashed 35.5p to 103.5p after the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) said it would allow eight only small and eight large casinos to be built and that parliamentary approval would be required to increase this number.

Last month the DCMS authorised the building of eight super casinos offering unlimited prizes after bowing to intense pressure from backbench MPs and church groups.

Speaking at a committee meeting to discuss the gambling bill Richard Caborn, minister for sport and tourism, said that the priority was to protect children and vulnerable people. Limiting the number of regional casinos to eight in the first phase is a cautious move that will allow us to test the impact of a new kind of casino on the levels of problem gambling,' he said.

LCI, whose recovery plans could be harmed by such tight limits, expressed its disappointment that the government has restricted further the modernisation of gaming regulation. The group added that it is confident of obtaining licences in these new categories

Paul Leyland, a leisure analyst at Seymour Pierce, said that the restrictions undermine roll-out strategies and organic potential, which is a disaster for Stanley Leisure. However, he feels that there could be a big upside for LCI if it can obtain one or two of the licences as it is a relatively small casino operator. Rank Group is Leylands favourite out of the trio due to its larger bingo business, which he feels is going to benefit from deregulation next year.

Much thanks Brockie and JJ!!!
I'll buy you a glass of the bubbly stuff next time you're in
the tea-rooms!
:>)

LONDON (AFX) - Rank Group PLC, the leisure operator behind Mecca Bingo and Hard Rock Cafe, will next week signal its intention to demerge its Deluxe film-processing unit and seek buyers for Deluxe's media business, The Times reported.


A broad outline of the break-up plan is expected to be given with Rank's full-year results on Friday next week.

Cheers Opto and horrahhh for that, about time they got rid
of that area of the business all we need to get shot of now
is the hardrock cafes!

Showing a firm face this AM, perhaps divi buying, not due to go x/d until 6th Apr.

Well whatever the reason, we wont say No to a bit more of the same!