Ireland’s Paddy Power enjoyed strong profit growth in its retail business during a six-month period that saw a record number of new betting shop openings.

Paddy Power Oldham

The company’s UK retail operating profit rose 26 per cent to €9.5m (£7.5m) in the six months to June 30. Like-for-like net revenue was up five per cent.

Paddy Power’s UK estate now totals 305 shops, having opened 33 new locations in the period.

Irish retail operating profit was up 13 per cent to €8.6m, meanwhile. Like-for-like stakes were up five per cent and net revenue increased two per cent.

In Ireland, it now operates 243 shops, after opening a record 16 venues in the first half of the year.