Announcing a trading update for the first quarter of 2015, bookmaker William Hill reported a 16 per cent year-on-year growth in online sports wagers and a nine per cent rise in online net revenues but a slump in operating profit of 38 per cent for its i-gaming division.

William Hill

The bookmaker blamed a series of punter-friendly results in January, which included what CEO James Henderson called the company’s “largest ever loss-making week in week three.”

Strong growth in mobile gaming continued however, up by 48 per cent to 37 per cent of gaming net revenue.

Henderson said: “After a weak January, we saw improved wagering trends over the remainder of the quarter. Online wagering grew 20 per cent in February and March, and 29 per cent for the Cheltenham Festival.

“Gross win margins were below our expected trading range for what is typically a stronger quarter.”

Online sportsbook wagering growth rates improved in February and March and totalled 16 per cent for the quarter.

Gaming net revenue was in line with the company’s expectations, rising eight per cent, with casino up 10 per cent, bingo up eight per cent and poker down 32 per cent.