Revenues up 51% as online betting giant plans to roll its dice internationally
LEEDS-BASED online bookmaker Sky Betting & Gaming (SB&G) is eyeing international expansion after a year of domestic growth.
Revenues soared 51% to £373.6m for the year ended June 30 despite “unprecedented pay-outs” following Leicester City winning the Premier League title.
The company said it has achieved consistent growth across all divisions, led by the Sky Bet sports-betting division, where revenues rose 64% to £214m, up from £130m 2015. Meanwhile, i-gaming also increased by 36% to £159.5m.
SB&G attracted 31% more customers than last year, and is now serving 1.95 million players.
Richard Flint, CEO of Sky Betting & Gaming, said: “2015/16 has been another excellent year for the business and we are pleased to have delivered this strong performance despite some unprecedented pay-outs including an extremely generous Cheltenham Festival offer and a pay-out of around £5m on Leicester City winning the Premier League.
“We have continued to invest in both our technology and mobile platforms from our base in Yorkshire and our Super 6 product has successfully launched in Italy since the period end. Our strong momentum has continued into the current financial year and we are excited about the opportunities ahead both in the UK and internationally.”
The company, which has large bases at Wellington Place, Leeds Dock and in Sheffield, said staff numbers have increased to 818.
Two years ago, it was announced that Sky had sold a majority stake in the company to CVC Capital Partners, and speculation of a stock market float has been mounting since the deal, which valued the business at £800m.
