The World Cup and the growth of online betting helped bookmakers Paddy Power report a 55 per cent increase in turnover for the first half of the year.
The firm's half-year results published today show operating profit rose by 127 per cent in the first half of the year, although much of the annual increase is due to the cancellation of sports events during the foot and mouth crisis last year.
The average bet for the period was €14.55 compared to €13.44 in 2001.
Paddy Power said its online division - paddypower.com - recorded strong growth in the first half of the year. Internet betting reached €2 million a week during the World Cup in June, the company said.
Online customer numbers reached 33,988 by the end of June compared to 14,758 at the start of the year. Sterling customers account for 59 per cent of active customers.
Online turnover grew to €41.4 million from €14 million an increase of 196 per cent. The group’s telephone betting service increased customers to 19,085 from 9,227 at December 31st 2001. The company’s British customer base has grown to 13,178 from 2,665 at the end of last year. Paddy Power doubled its interim dividend to 3.4 cent per share - which will be paid on August 12th.