Bet on: Ladbrokes owner GVC Holdings flags higher-than-forecast earnings

Ladbrokes owner GVC Holdings has said online growth means the gambling firm’s earnings for 2019 will be higher than previously forecast but held firm on plans to shut 900 stores over the next two years. The gambling giant, which also owns Coral, said earnings have been bolstered by stronger-than-forecast revenues in UK high street retail stores despite the impact of new legislation for fixed-odds betting terminals. Over-the-counter wagers in UK betting shops jumped 7 per cent in the third quarter in the aftermath of the crackdown on betting machines.