Ladbrokes has reported a 12 per cent rise in first-half operating profit and deferred its decision over entering the lucrative US web gambling market.
Operating profit was £151.3 million sterling (€223.9 million) in the six months to June 30th, compared with £134.7 million a year earlier.
"In view of ongoing uncertainties within the US legislative environment, the decision on whether to take business from US customers on our gaming sites remains under review," the world's largest bookmaker said.
Ladbrokes said it had signed a joint venture agreement with Italian betting company Pianeta Scommesse, establishing it as a government-accredited bookmaker in Italy.
The firm said it had made further international progress in Vietnam, where it was on a shortlist of three to operate the sports lottery, and in Turkey, where it has formed a consortium with Intralot to bid for the Turkish national lottery.
Ladbrokes said its consultancy in China continued to expand and is now advising 250 shops in Beijing and 50 newly launched shops in the province of Tianjin.
Ladbrokes shares closed at 395-3/4 pence yesterday, valuing the group at around £2.5 billion.
