iGaming Business – UK bookmaker William Hill has reported an increase in revenue thanks to betting on football’s Fifa World Cup, but a slight dip in operating profit, for the first six months of 2014.

Revenue increased by 7% to £805 million (€1.012 billion/$1.355 billion), while operating profit slipped by 2% to £177 million. Both figures were slightly ahead of forecasts, but by 10:00am William Hill’s share price on the London Stock Exchange had fallen by 1.3%.

The World Cup, which generated a 211% increase in online wagering for the company in comparison with the previous edition of the tournament in 2010, helped to offset unfavourable sporting results earlier in the year.

The company’s online sportsbook reported a 41% increase in turnover and a 74% rise in mobile wagering, while broader online gaming and mobile revenue increased by 18% and 146%, respectively.

William Hill also hailed the continued “successful diversification” of the business, with 52% of operating profit being derived from digital channels and 17% of revenues being generated by international markets.

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