Bet on the net: Online gambling boost for William Hill

Bookmaker William Hill said yesterday that the growing popularity of online betting helped first-quarter profits jump 19 per cent.

Alongside a “robust” performance from its traditional high street operations, the group said turnover from online sports betting exceeded £50 million in a single week for the first time during the quarter.

Mobile device turnover reached £11m in a single week, as the group said its new Sportsbook app for Apple devices gave it access to thousands of customers who had never bet with the company before.

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However, William Hill – which sponsors the Scottish Cup – said in its trading update that bad weather resulted in 8 per cent fewer horseracing fixtures in the quarter and a 2 per cent drop in the amounts wagered in over-the-counter bets.

Chief executive Ralph Topping said: “With positive underlying trends at this relatively early stage in the year, the board remains confident in its expectations for the full year.”

GARETH MACKIE

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