Ladbrokes sees drop in UK retail profits

Bookmaker Ladbrokes today said the amount staked by punters at its UK shops dropped 7% despite the impact of the World Cup on first half results.

The firm’s win margin was also lower than last year as horse racing results, in particular the hammering for layers at Royal Ascot, offset a decent World Cup when a high number of draws and low goal-scoring left punters clear losers.