Highlights

Post balance sheet events

• Disposal of US-facing sports and casino operations prior to the enactment of the Unlawful internet Gambling Enforcement Act on 13 October 2006.

Financial highlights

• Gross margin up 72.5% to £303.3m
  (2005: £175.8m)
• Operating profit* up 70.2% to £103.0m
  (2005: £60.5m)
• Profit before tax up 75.2% to £71.5m
  (2005: £40.8m)
• Cash generation from operating activities
  of £118.8m (2005: £71.8m)

Business highlights

• Registered customers up 77.8% to 4.8m
  (2005: 2.7m)
• New real money sign ups up 64.2% to 640,472
  (2005: 390,142)
• Number of sports and gaming bets up 41.8% to 566.9m (2005: 399.9m)

• Turnover
  £2,063.5m
• Gross margin
  £303.3m
• Operating profit*
  £103.0m

• Operating profit before exceptional items, goodwill amoritsation and share option charges
• Financial Results 03/04 are for the 16 months ended 31 July 2005