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William Hill Helped By Betting Machines

LONDON – As reported by the Dow Jones: "U.K. betting company William Hill said Monday its first-half pretax profit before items rose 27%, helped mostly by its online casino and the contentious betting terminals which U.K. lawmakers are scrutinizing.

"The company also said the second half has started well, with its gross win - its betting takings before expenses are subtracted - up 23% compared with a same period last year. But it said its full-year profits will be partly dependent on sporting results - something beyond its control.

"…Speaking on a conference call to reporters, William Hill Chief Executive David Harding said the gross win in its retail division has been helped by product launches and an increased number of fixed-odds betting terminals, or FOBTs.

"Harding said the company will keep introducing more of these terminals in the second half.

"FOBTs - standalone betting terminals on which customers can play various games, including roulette - have been a huge source of earnings growth for William Hill.

"But questions over the legality of roulette games on FOBTs linger and analysts are concerned the U.K. government may tighten rules for the machines…"

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