Bingo firm Top Ten posted a slump in pre-tax profits of £465,000, to £381,000, on sales down £1 million to £13.7 million for the six months to September 30. A statement from the operator cited the smoking ban and the UK's new gambling legislation as reasons, and warned that the 'difficult' market conditions would persist through the second half.

Top Ten, which currently operates 38 clubs, said it would be disposing of poorly performing clubs to make its portfolio stronger during the current conditions.