Shares in Stanley Leisure gained nearly 3 per cent after Britain's largest casino operator said punters were streaming into its regional outlets in the wake of the Government's liberalisation of the nation's gambling laws.

Bob Wiper, the chief executive said a 15.7 per cent increase in attendance levels at its regional casinos during November and December meant Stanley Leisure was "very encouraged" by the effects of the 'early freedoms' granted to casino operators ahead of the Government's Gambling Act coming into force next year.

These include the removal of the '24-hour membership' admission rule and allowing more slot machines into casinos with higher stakes and bigger prizes.

"Although still early days in the deregulation of the gaming industry, we are very encouraged with the growth in attendance levels in the first few weeks since the relaxation of admission rules and other changes became effective," Mr Wiper said.

"This growth reinforces the group's decision to invest over £100 million during the next five years to increase capacity in our estate."

Going into mid-afternoon the shares were trading 20p higher at 710p and adding to the company's market value of more than £480 million.

For detailed data on the shares click here

The warm response from investors came despite Stanley Leisure posting falling profits for the six months to the end of November - hit by the after-effects of the London terror bombings last July.

Profits before tax and exceptional over the period fell to £22.2 million compared with £24.5 million for the same period the previous year. Excluding exceptional items, Stanley Leisure's pre-tax profits were £343 million.

Investors were also cheered by a 10 per cent increase in the dividend to 3.3p. The company has already returned £327 million of capital to shareholders.

At the same time Stanley Leisure - which last year sold its high street betting shops to William Hill for £504 million - agreed to buy three casinos for £29.8 million.

Stanley is buying MLG Investments, which owns the Westcliff and Spielers casinos in Southend. And it is buying the Triangle casino in Bristol, which is owned by RJ Brown. The sales are expected to complete today.

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