Further expansion in the Irish market not ruled out by British bookmaker

BRITISH bookmaker Ladbrokes hasn’t ruled out the prospect of further expansion in the Irish market, with the group’s new management happy with its under-performing operations here.

The company — number two, behind Paddy Power, in the Irish betting and gaming sector — is undertaking a detailed review of its entire operations (which spread across Britain, Ireland, Belgium and Spain) aimed at improving its financial and operational performance.

Last year saw Ladbrokes’ group pre-tax profits slip by over £70 million (€85.7m) to £191.3m (€234.3m); with gross win and operating profit levels for its Irish division — which accounts for roughly 8% of group revenue — also falling.