[Matt]

LADBROKES on Thursday announced a 19.2 per cent boost from gambling machines, which triggered a £193.5 million full year operating profit for the company.

The firm reported an operating profit fall of 4.3per cent (from £202.3 million in 2010), but the numbers beat City expectations. The average forecast had been £187 million, according to a Thomson Reuters poll of 15 analysts. Revenue, which, like profits excludes high rollers, grew by 0.4 per cent at £980.3 million.

Gross win, total bets minus payouts, from machines rose by 19.2 per cent to £360.9 million.

Chief executive Richard Glynn said: "The contribution frommachines has been excellent and we have grown profit per shop for a second consecutive year despite a comparatively poor gross win margin in the second half of 2011 and continued cost pressures."


What sick gambling addicted members do to themselves!!!