18-05-2007 Ladbrokes eGaming continues to grow steadily

The UK bookmaker said eGaming gross win increased by 11% due to good growth in sportsbook, casino and games, partially offset by a decline in poker where the competitive environment remains difficult. Active customers grew by 12% in the period.

Overall profit for the four months ended 30 April 2007 was in line with last year despite a 47 per cent decrease in telephone betting gross win due to reduced high roller activity. And while the UK retail division had a challenging period, the Irish shops performed particularly well increasing their gross win by 23 per cent.

Ladbrokes announced that it will continue to focus energetically on international development opportunities in both Europe and Asia. In particular, the company plans to open up to 200 betting outlets in Italy and to apply for gaming licenses in Spain's Madrid and Basque regions.