Sportingbet’s results boost odds of a bid - Business - Evening Standard
       

Sportingbet’s results boost odds of a bid

Online bookie Sportingbet gave further lustre to its credentials as a takeover target today, after annual results topped City hopes.

The firm has been in the bid spotlight since it agreed last month to pay $33 million (£21.3 million) to US prosecutors, but chief executive Andrew McIver today said the business was "not for sale" and is more likely to going shopping itself following the settlement.

Sportingbet had a bumper World Cup with £50 million staked, and posted a 14% hike in profits to £35.4 million in the year to July 31.

The popularity of "in play" bets while the action is still under way powered sports revenues 35% higher, and McIver said it would offer in play markets on 8500 matches by the end of the year.

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