Betfair earnings increase ahead of Paddy Power merger

Online gambling firm Betfair, which is merging with rival Paddy Power, said its earnings lifted 9% to £80.5m in the six months to the end of October compared to a year ago.

Volumes in its sportsbook surged 93% to £800m.

The company added that it expects its £5bn merger with Irish betting business Paddy Power to complete in the first next of next year.