Bookmaker William Hill said it expected to report operating profit at the top end of analysts' expectations after a strong third-quarter helped by favourable football results and the later stages of the World Cup.
The company, which has a street and an online presence, said net revenue grew 22%, with Internet revenue up 35% compared to 16% growth for retail, and group operating profit rose 64% in the 13 weeks to September 28.
'We have seen an ongoing positive performance from our growing online business and from machines which, when allied to a period of very favourable sports results, have driven strong net revenue performance,' chief executive Ralph Topping said.
He said the group was well placed for the final quarter, although wider economic concerns kept it cautious for 2011.
