Strong First Half Performance for William Hill

Net Revenue Up 11% and Operating Profit Up 14% Driven by Innovation and Investment

Key points:

• Group net revenue +11% and Operating profit1 +14% with innovation and investment driving market share gains by William Hill Online

• Good Retail performance drives +5% net revenue growth in both over-the-counter (OTC) betting and gaming machines, and Operating profit1 +6%

• Outstanding William Hill Online performance with Sportsbook turnover 33% ahead of H1 2011, overall net revenue +30% and Operating profit1 +23%

• Mobile Sportsbook turnover up +390%, 28% of total Sportsbook betting in June via mobile

• Basic adjusted earnings per share and dividend +17%

• Nevada licences awarded to William Hill and William Hill US formed through completion of three previously announced US land-based acquisitions

• International expansion continues with award of online licence in Spain, launch of Spanish regulated site and expansion of Italian regulated site

• Continued strong cash flow from operations reduces net debt for covenant purposes by £61m to £355m against 27 December 2011

Ralph Topping, Chief Executive of William Hill, commented:
"We have seen a strong performance in our multi-channel UK business in the first half, with a good performance from both OTC and machines in Retail, and with our focus on innovation and investment continuing to deliver outstanding growth at William Hill Online. Mobile remains a top priority and continues to outperform our expectations. 
The William Hill Sportsbook app, which has been top-ranked since its launch in the Apple App Store in mid-February, has delivered more than 40,000 new customers.
Our rapidly growing mobile business increased to 22% of our Online sports betting turnover and 11% of gaming net revenue in the first half.

"We have made good progress in the period on our strategy in expanding internationally, including being awarded an online licence in Spain. It was also very pleasing to be awarded the Nevada licences in June and to complete the acquisition of the three land-based sports betting businesses. Though their contribution to the Group today is small, they represent an important strategic step for William Hill as we look to build our international business.

"With further innovation to come, the Group is in good shape and the Board remains confident of its expectations for the full year."