High Revenue Following World Cup

World Cup wagering is responsible for the boost in profits by 19 percent last year for the firm. The tournament also helped increase gross wins by 15 percent to GBP 931.3 million in 2006 from GBP 807.7 million in 2005. The bookmaker said it was Realizing the benefits of the betting shops, which number a whopping 624, it purchased from a well-known operator in 2005.

Although the company's businesses suffered a tough second half after the introduction of the US's UIGEA, or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006, its interactive gross wins still grew by a healthy six percent to GBP 130.5 million. This happened while operating profits were up marginally to GBP 61.5 million. The group has also proved its commitment to its Internet gambling operations in an extended contract with one of the worlds leading online gambling software providers.

This just goes to show that many sites are continuing on with business as usual no matter what the US has imposed in the way of anti-gambling laws.