A 211 per cent increase in online betting on this year's World Cup compared to the 2010 tournament helped William Hill overcome an otherwise challenging first half to 2014. Overall betting on the Brazil 2014 tournament - from online and retail businesses - was up significantly to £208m.

William Hill

First half revenues were up seven per cent to £805m in the period to July 1, beating analysts’ forecasts while operating profit was down two per cent to £177m (pre-tax profits were £121.8m, a drop of 15 per cent).

James Henderson, who today becomes William Hill’s chief executive, taking from Ralph Topping, said in a statement: "We will always face regulatory challenges given our focus on regulated markets, as well as volatility in sporting results. Greater diversity helps mitigate this risk.

"We have already strengthened our global reach with two home markets and evolving opportunities in Spain, Italy and the US. I believe this is the right strategy and I will be looking hard at how we can continue to create shareholder value in developing a focused but internationally orientated gambling group."