888 revenues storm past forecasts
ONLINE gaming firm 888 yesterday reported an 18 per cent rise in first-half revenue, driven by a strong performance in its casino and poker businesses.
It now forecasts full-year results will be marginally ahead of the current market view. Analysts on average expect the company to post a full-year pre-tax profit of $21m on a revenue of $257m. Yesterday’s figures did not include a profits figure.
The company, whose rivals include the world’s biggest listed online gaming company Bwin.party digital, said strong trading has continued into July, led by poker.
January-June revenue rose to $154m from $130m last year.
In April, British bookmaker Ladbrokes terminated talks with 888 after four months of wrangling over price with the company’s founding shareholders, causing 888 shares to shed 20 per cent.