Ladbrokes Coral on course

Despite a dreadful December, Ladbrokes Coral - the major UK betting company - has said that it is well on course for a rise in profits.

The bookmaker attributed December's performance to a combination of horse-racing and football results going against the operator, although online revenues have surged, said the company.

The group was created by a £2.3bn merger between Ladbrokes and Gala Coral.