UK-based Sceptre Leisure, the AIM-listed leisure and gaming group, has announced its interim results for the six months ended October 31, 2008.

Revenue and gross profit increased more than threefold to £18.5m and £4.8m respectively and profits from operations before exceptional items is up fourfold to £1.7m.

Sceptre Leisure was created through the acquisition of Orb Holdings by GameKing, following a reverse take-over in September last year. In October of last year Sceptre acquired UK distributor Crown Leisure, which saw the company more than treble in size.

The group now operates around 20,000 amusement and gaming machines in the UK and is well placed to continue to benefit from industry consolidation and average weekly machine rental income has increased by 14 per cent.

Commenting on the results, Ken Turner, chief executive officer of Sceptre Leisure, said: "Much progress has been made over the past year and the company has grown substantially. We have a great opportunity to reap the benefits from the strengths of Sceptre and GamingKing and the cross marketing of those into each of their market places. Our rental model is resilient, market consolidation is benefiting us and the recent news on increased stakes and prizes will provide impetus."