Online operator and betting exchange Betfair, which is set to merge with Paddy Power, saw a 93 per cent increase in sports betting during the six months to October 31.

Betfair mobile

Boosted by betting on the Rugby World Cup, sportsbook volumes hit £800m in the period.

Total revenues climbed 15 per cent to £274m while adjusted profits were £80.5m, up nine per cent year on year.

The £6bn deal to merge with Paddy Power is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2016.