The UK\’s largest bookmaker expects to announce full-year profits slightly in excess of the £230 million to £240 million range set in November, after that a large number of winning favourites in soccer and horse racing led all the major bookmakers to urge caution in City profit forecasts.
“The past six weeks have been kinder to us than we anticipated in November. It\’s very hard to predict results in the short term,” said Tom Singer, the company\’s Chief Operating Officer.
William Hill said in a stock market update that it remains confident about the prospects for the group in 2006, with the successful completion of the integration of Stanley Retail Betting, and looks forward to the soccer World Cup, which is likely to provide additional revenue and customer acquisition opportunities.
Chief Executive David Harding added in a interview that the company\’s internet casino and sports betting operations are performing well, while the online poker business is seeing phenomenal growth, particularly in the UK and Europe.
Asked whether the company planned to revive its merger talks with Rank, William Hill\’s COO, Tom Singer said: “Who knows what the future brings?”
“Clearly, we have been linked in speculation with other players. We continue to watch developments with interest,” he added.
However, the company is continuing to buy back shares in market, which it would not be allowed to do if it was in sensitive negotiations.
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