Stanley Leisure, the UK's fourth largest bookmaker, said the abolition of betting tax in October was boosting betting division sales as it reported interim figures to 28 October. During half one, group sales were lifted from £332m to £363m and pre-tax profits edged ahead from £15m to £15.1m. Its gaming division reaped the benefits of upgrading its provincial casinos, with sales 13% healthier at £70.2m, but its operating profits fell 5% to £14.5m after it made provisions for £2m worth of debts in its London casino division. Significantly, revenues at its core betting division put on 8% to £293m and the board boasted of a substantial rise in betting turnover after the half year following the replacement of betting tax with a gross profits tax of 15% in October. However, directors urged caution on growth levels, explaining that 'we are comparing a period of high turnover and low margin this year with low turnover and high margin last year'. During the first half, betting division profits were adversely impacted by bad weather which hit 63 race meetings compared to just 23 last year. Like all other gaming ventures, the company is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Gaming Review Body, a report on possible changes to the industry including instant casino membership and increasing slot machine jackpots. Analysts expect pre-tax profits to fall from £31.2m to about £30m for the current year.