Gaming machine performance improved at William Hill’s betting offices in August and September, chief executive Ralph Topping said.
The UK-based bookmaker reported a 10 per cent increase in group net revenue in the third quarter. This figure fell to four per cent on the comparable period a year earlier after adjustment for Machine Games Duty. Group operating profit, however, was down 31 per cent, or £24m.
The three-month period saw the first of the new Eclipse gaming machines from Inspired Gaming roll out across the company’s retail estate, making it one of three leading firms to introduce the machines to the UK market. Topping noted that retail performance was “disappointing” in July, but there were positive signs in the months following.
“Staking levels and machine performance in our shops picked up in August and September from their July lows,” he said, adding that sportsbook wagering levels and improvements in its Australian and US businesses give “continued confidence.”
“We remain confident in the business and are encouraged to see signs that we are benefitting from our investments.”
