Online Gambling 'Still In Good Health'

Online poker still generates significant income for betting firms.

The prosperity of online gambling firms is still assured, despite relatively disappointing half-year figures.

Bookmakers 888 recently announced its profit for the six-month period at the start of 2010 was £5.4 million, down on levels seen the previous year.

But Clive Hawkswood, chief executive at the Remote Gambling Association, says there is little to worry about as the youthful industry battles against its first recession.

"Compared to other gambling and non-gambling sectors we have held up very well, but of course measured against performance in previous years it does not always look so healthy," explains the online gambling expert.

Mr Hawkswood adds the figures are likely to offer no guidance on how the market will perform in the years to come.

The results released by 888 show online poker remained reasonably popular, bringing in £12.6 million worth of income during the period in question, but was impacted by the drawing of punters' money towards the World Cup.