William Hill reported a nine per cent increase in first half operating profit, benefiting from a doubling of bets placed during sporting events.
Net revenue rose by seven per cent to £567.8m, with an online revenue increase of 23 per cent to £152.7m.
Chief executive Ralph Topping described the results as “especially strong” in challenging economic conditions and compared with the previous period, which included the World Cup.
Topping commented: “I am pleased with both our online performance, which has been driven by outstanding Sportsbook growth, and innovations in our in-play and mobile offerings and the strength of our retail business, which continues to benefit from the popularity of machines and the resilience of over-the-counter betting. We have also made progress on our international growth strategy, both in Europe and through the three impending land-based sports-betting acquisitions we are currently pursuing in the US.”
Ladbrokes reported a decline in first-half operating profit.
