From iGaming Business – UK bookmaker William Hill has reported an 8% rise in group operating profit for the first half of the year, following a number of acquisitions that have allowed it to expand its operations into Australia. According to Reuters, the company has spent nearly £900m ($1.36bn/Eur1.02bn) to take full control of its online operations, byu acuiwring the remaining 29% Playtech held in William Hill Online and purchase Sportingbet – a move that allowed it to access the Australian market. The 8% increase accounted towards a total of £181.4m in operating profit for the 26-week period up to…