Better profits at Ladbrokes

The UK's biggest bookmaker yesterday said it boosted profits in January despite a raft of race meetings and sporting fixtures falling victim to the snow.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Feb 2010, 20:58 BST

Updated 18th Feb 2010, 20:58 BST

A clampdown on costs at Ladbrokes helped it deliver operating profits ahead of a year earlier, although punters staked 11 per cent less at its 2,000 UK betting shops.

Staff at Ladbrokes are facing a pay freeze until next year while the group is also closing a call centre in Liverpool, which employs 263 people.

Pre-tax profits for last year were down 28 per cent to 191.3m as the firm suffered from recession and an historically low number of draws in football fixtures at the start of the season.

Chairman Peter Erskine said he recognised the "likely challenges" ahead.

Liverpool