Paddy Power revenues rise by 21%

Revenue at Paddy Power rose 21 per cent in the year to date as online revenues surged, the company said.

Revenue at Paddy Power rose 21 per cent in the year to date as online revenues surged, the company said.

The bookmaker said the strong momentum seen in 2010 had continued this year, with revenues at Paddypower.com rising 33 per cent, while retail revenues gained 7 per cent.

The group said its sportsbook gross win percentage was in line with last year, and its online business offset what it described as "adverse" results in its retail unit.

Total amounts staked at Paddypower.com's sportsbook rose by 46 per cent, while mobile stakes surged 298 per cent. About 34 per cent of active customers conducted transactions through mobile.

In its UK retail sector, there was strong growth in like-for-like revenues. However, the Irish retail business was hit by poor sports results.

"The comparative period for the remainder of the year benefited from the football World Cup, as well as very favourable sports results," the company said in a statement.

"However, the strong underlying momentum in the group should help to offset these factors, and consequently the board looks forward to the balance of 2011 and beyond with confidence."

In Australia, growth slowed compared to last year although the group said it was expecting more positive results later in the year.

The company bought out Australian bookmaker Sportsbet earlier this year.

Paddy Power increased its stake in the company to 60.8 per cent in February last year. In December, the Irish-listed bookmaker announced its intention to buy up the outstanding 39.2 per cent stake for a consideration of Aus$132.6 million. That move was approved by shareholders earlier this year, and Paddy Power bought the remaining minority stake. .

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist