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 July 2. Revenues at the firm also grew 20% to £751.6m.

Ralph Topping, chief executive of William Hill, said in a statement: “We are excited by the opportunity we see to develop William Hill Australia by improving our digital offer and targeting the recreational customer. Taking control of online is giving us more freedom both to invest and to use that expertise across the group, including in Australia.”