Online Sportsbook Leads William Hill Profits

British online and land-based gambling powerhouse William Hill posted massive first-half profits this year, it announced, led by big gains in its online sports betting division.

Strong first half for Hill

Hill's first half-profits were up 34 percent in the half-year period ending June, thanks mainly to revenues in its William Hill Online business rising by 23%. Notably, the company is growing much faster than rival Ladbrokes, which posted a small decline in operating profit over the same period.

The bookmaker, which in addition to its online betting facilities has 2,350 betting shops around the country, exceeded market expectation by some 9%. This was hailed by CEO Ralph Topping as proof that it has "focused on what's right for the punter".

For the punters

The results are not surprising for those who have kept an eye on William Hill's approach. Innovations in its online sportsbook have proved very popular with punters. Take for example the fact it is the only bookie to offer point-by-point betting on Wimbledon, just one of the moves that helped it almost double the amount of in-play bets it accepts.

Sport is a big part of its success, but the online casino and poker sites have also been going strongly. And then, of course, there's William Hill Mobile, which offers you its mobile sportsbook and casino club which just a click of your smartphone.