As reported by: Trinity Mirror
GAMING group Sportech yesterday reported a 7% increase in pre-tax profits as it embarks on a major relaunch of its pools operation.

The company, which is based at Wavertree Technology Park, said pre-tax profits for the six months to June 30 were up to £5.9m from £5.5m the previous year.

Turnover soared from £157.8m in 2003 to £254.5m reflecting significant growth in its internet casino products.

Sportech also operates internet, telephone and interactive betting and gaming services.

Its betting division cut losses to £1m from £1.6m last year.

It offered interactive betting through the ITV network on Euro 2004 and has developed new games in conjunction with ITV programmes such as talent show, The X Factor.

Managing director George Foster told the Daily Post he was pleased with the "resilient" performance of the Littlewoods Pools operation which had recorded an operating profit of £12.9m, slightly down from £13m last year.

Since the launch of the National Lottery in 1994, the number of people playing the pools has declined dramatically but in recent years that decline has slowed down.

Last year, it declined by 14% and this was cut to 12% for the latest half year period and Mr Foster hopes its latest £4m advertising campaign will cut this further.

He added: "We are trying to give it the marketing muscle and halt the decline altogether."