Ladbrokes' betting machines prove successful

Betting group Ladbrokes says strong growth at its betting terminals has helped offset a weaker over-the-counter performance in the UK.

The overall gross win at the company's UK betting shops grew by 1% in the four months to April 30, despite a 3% decline in wins from bets placed over the counter as customers reduced the amount they bet.

However, gross wins from the group's fixed odds betting terminals, which allow customers to place bets through "touch screen" machines, grew by 12% with average weekly proceeds up to £613 (€897.87) for each terminal, compared to £534 (€782.16) for the same period last year.

Ladbrokes said it expected its results for the year to be in line with forecasts.