U.K.-based gaming operator Rank Group plans to increase the number of casinos in its home market over the next two years, investing £50 million in the process.

The multi-sector operator currently has 35 casinos in the U.K. and two in Belgium. Of the U.K. properties, 12 sport the relatively recently created G Casino brand, with two Grosvenor Casinos properties having been converted to the G group in the first half of 2010. There are plans for one new-build and at least three conversions to G in 2011, and two more new-builds for 2012. The target for G venues is 20 total by 2012.

Over the next two years, reports Reuters, Rank plans to build at least five casinos in northern and central England, for a total cost of £23 million. Another five casinos will follow later.

In the first half of 2010, Rank reported a 9 percent increase in gross gaming revenue from casinos compared with the year-earlier period, taking £116 million. Operating profit from the sector increased by almost 20 percent before exceptional items.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.