William Hill blames tax changes as profits fall 35%

Bookmaker William Hill said it took a £44 million hit from changes to the way the British Government taxes online betting and gambling machines as it reported a slide in half-year profits.

Results for the six months to the end of June showed pre-tax profits down 35% to £78.7 million, also impacted by one-off charges relating to its Australian operations. Shares fell 5%.