Ladbrokes buoyed by high-rollers

A surge in revenues from big-spending telephone punters helped Ladbrokes overcome a dip in profits at its UK betting shops today.

The group saw half-year operating profits increase 29% to £195m (€288m), aided by a three-fold rise at its telephone betting arm after revenues from high-rollers surged to £95.3m (€141m) from £13.3m (€19.6m) a year earlier.