Bookmaker Ladbrokes has said it expects its 2007 results to be in line with expectations, helped by 'buoyant' growth in its Irish betting shops.
In a trading update for the first four months of the year, Ladbrokes said profits were in line with last year, with total gross win up 5%. Gross win is the amount left with the bookmaker winning bets have been returned to customers.
Gross win in its Irish and Belgian shops was 23% ahead, in contrast to the UK, where the rise was just 1%. Electronic gaming was 11% ahead.
Ladbrokes said it would continue to focus on international opportunities in Europe and Asia, with activities in Italy the most advanced.
