Ladbrokes Coral betting shops saw a decline of 7 percent from the start of the year to April 23 with total revenue falling 2 percent.
Chief executive Jim Mullen said the retail business continued to “exhibit the negative trends reported since the middle of 2016”, something he said was “driven by the challenging UK high street environment” as well as the firm’s efforts to push more customers online.
Mullen also said sports results in Italy were “unusually bad” in February and March for bookmakers and this had had an “adverse impact” on its Eurobet business.
Mullen said the online market remained “highly competitive” but said a focus on data-driven marketing would support the division’s growth.
Mullen also said that the integration of Ladbrokes and Coral was continuing with staff starting to move from its Rayners Lane office to its Stratford site and its online brands all using the same technology platform.
In another matter, David Williams, confirmed he will leave his position as director of media at Ladbrokes next month.
“I’ve enjoyed a hugely rewarding time with the firm, having arrived on the graduate scheme in 2004. During those years I’ve valued the support of some outstanding colleagues and made some first-class friends who encouraged and allowed me to work in a wonderful industry,” Williams said in a statement. “Heading up the PR charge with Ladbrokes was a real privilege but it now feels like a perfect time to explore new opportunities. Working to ensure the Ladbrokes brand was celebrated and recognized throughout consumer media and corporate comms has been wonderful, and I’m proud of the role I played in helping to lead the business through some challenging and exciting times over the years.”
