With only a few weeks left in 2008, Rank Group Plc has released a pre-close trading update for the 50 weeks up until December 14, 2008.

According to the update, since September 1, 2008, Rank reports 1 percent growth in like-for-like revenue and takes into consideration moves that Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo took to counteract undesirables of the UK's Gambling Act which has been in effect since September 1, 2007.

Unfortunately, for the period to December 14, Rank is also reporting a 7 percent decrease in like-for-like revenue as well as a 5 percent decrease in total revenue but as it said in the trade update has, "reduced operating costs and taken a number of actions to strengthen the Group's financial position" over the span of the last year.

Other notable numbers from the update included:

-Mecca Bingo saw like-for-like revenue and admissions decrease 11 percent while spend per head rose 1 percent based on numbers from last year.

-Rank's Spanish Top Rank Espana bingo business saw spend per head and admissions decrease over the last year and revenue from local currency saw a drop of 5 percent.

-Like-for-like revenue for Grosvenor Casinos decreased 3 percent, admissions dropped 14 percent while spend per head rose 10 percent.

-Blue Square's revenue increased by 3 percent over the 50 weeks to December 14, 2008.

Notable news over the past year (to Dec. 14) included the appointment of Mark Jones as Blue Squares managing director on December 3, 2008 and the opening of the G Casino Aberdeen in Scotland.

There was uncertainty going into 2009 as Rank said in the update.

"While the outlook for the UK economy in 2009 is uncertain, Rank has taken a number of key actions this year to strengthen the Group's position—stabilising trading; reducing operating costs; and exiting its final salary pension plan—and the Board is confident in the Group's longer-term strategy. Trading for the current financial year remains in line with market expectations."