Unlike Ladbrokes which reported weak results a few days ago, William Hill, the betting company which moved its entire online operations to Gibraltar in 2009 to save on tax, has released its interim results showing strong growth in its online and mobile operations.

The results which are at the top end of market expectations included:

* Net revenue overall up 7% to £567.8 million (2010 first half £529.9 million)

* Online revenues up 23% to £152.7 million (2010 first half £124.2 million)

* Retail net revenues up 2% to £398.8 million (2010 first half £389.8 million)

* Operating profit at £147.7 million, an increase of 9% over the same period last year.

* Pre-tax profit rising 23% to £126.9 million (2010 first half £103 million)

* Profit after tax up 33% to £102.7 million (2010 first half £77.4 million)

* Earnings per share up 31 percent

* 16% increase in dividends

* Reduction in net debt of £39.3 million since 2010 year end

The company also said that innovations in mobile betting delivered more than 600% net revenue growth during the period.

Ralph Topping, the chief executive suggested that the results showed that the company had delivered a strong performance in challenging economic conditions.

"The comparator period also included part of a World Cup that delivered a record result for us last year," he said. "I am pleased with both our online performance, which has been driven by outstanding sports book growth and innovations in our in-play and mobile offerings, and the strength of our retail business, which continues to benefit from the popularity of machines and the resilience of over-the-counter betting.

"We have also made progress on our international growth strategy, both in Europe and through the three impending land-based sports-betting acquisitions we are currently pursuing in the US.

"Looking ahead, although the economic environment continues to be challenging, our offering is very strong and competitive. Our multi-channel business targets the widest possible audience, and our positioning on pricing and trading, together with our extensive product range and effective use of new technologies, including mobile, combine to present customers with a highly attractive experience. We are performing well and, given our market-leading position, international developments and a pipeline of innovations, we look to the second half of the year and beyond with confidence."