Strong H1-2017/18 results from Sky Betting and Gaming

UK-based Sky Betting and Gaming has reported a successful H1-2017/18 covering the first half of 2017 to end December, highlighting:

* 47 percent rise in half year revenue to GBP 339 million;

* Digital operations at SkyBet a star performer, increasing revenue by 58 percent to GBP 210 million;

* Sky Gaming revenue rose 31 percent to GBP 117 m illion;

* Earnings nearly doubled from GBP 62 million to GBP 118 million after total customer number s rose 19 percent to 2 m illion from 1.7 m illion;

* 300,000 new registered punters in the period;

* 29 percent increase in betting stakes;

* The group created 230 net jobs , mainly at its Yorkshire base, bringing company overall headcount to 1,350 people.

* Launch of the company’s second international business Sky Bet Deutschland for German sports betting customers ;

* Best yet Cheltenham racing performance saw the company handle bet volumes peaking at just over 300 bets per second;

* Independent data from Kantar Media showed Sky Bet extended its lead as the UK’s most popular online betting brand, measured by the amount of regular users of its website.

CEO Richard Flint said that the growth in customer numbers reflects an ongoing trend from retail to online.

“People are doing more online rather than in shops. We are a very strong tech business and the Sky brand has helped us,” he added, noting that the firm continued to perform “very well” in the first half of 2017/18.

The company reported that it has improved its range of markets, products and offers, with more betting options and over 20 exclusive new games launched on its gaming brands. Investment in data science is delivering greater customer personalisation, with the home page tailored towards the individual, and recommended games and bet options are delivering relevant and appealing content.

Flint said the group has launch ed a fully integrated safer gambling campaign and increase d investment in research, data analysis and capability to provide a safe and responsible gambling environment for customers.

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