Innovation and investment is continuing to deliver “outstanding growth” in William Hill’s online business, with a 30 per cent increase to £198.4m in online net revenue for the first half of the year.
In its interim results for the 26 weeks ended June 26, 2012, William Hill also reported an increase of 11 per cent in group net revenue to £627.8m, and an increase of 14 per cent to £167.8m in operating profit.
The group’s mobile business, which “remains a top priority”, increased to 22 per cent of its online sports betting turnover and 11 per cent of gaming net revenue in the first half of 2012. The William Hill sportsbook app, which has been top-ranked since its launch in the Apple App Store in February, has delivered more than 40,000 new customers.
Chief executive Ralph Topping commented: "We have made good progress in the period on our strategy in expanding internationally, including being awarded an online licence in Spain. It was also very pleasing to be awarded the Nevada licences in June and to complete the acquisition of the three land-based sports betting businesses. Though their contribution to the group today is small, they represent an important strategic step for William Hill as we look to build our international business.”
Topping added that with further innovation to come, the group is in good shape and the board remains confident of its expectations for the full year.
