Paddy Power sees profits rise 59%

Bookmaker Paddy Power said its profit climbed 59 per cent in 2007 to €72 million on the back of strong online betting.

Bookmaker Paddy Power said its profit climbed 59 per cent in 2007 to €72 million on the back of strong online betting.

Net income rose to €62.8 million ($96 million), or €1.25 a share, from €41.2 million, or 81 cents, in 2006, the company said today.

Gross winnings rose by 28 per cent to €279 million.

Paddy Power has added German and Spanish-language online sports betting to boost internet sales.

READ MORE

Paddy Power's Irish betting shops saw gross winnings rise 21 per cent to €126.1 million. Online revenues rose 38 per cent to €54.1 million, and revenue from telephone bets grew by 10 per cent to €27 million.

Paddy Power's UK outlets, which are based mainly around London, reported a €300,000 profit. The company said today it plans to expand into Glasgow and Manchester.

Paddy Power raised its second-half dividend to 35 cents a share, bringing the total for the year to 51 cents per share.