Online gambling software firm Playtech (PTEC.L) said second quarter gross income rose 2 percent on the previous quarter driven by strong growth from casino and bingo, offsetting a decline in poker revenue.

The Estonia-based firm, which is the biggest company listed on London's junior market AIM, said gross income for the quarter totalled 44.5 million euros ($57.5 million), up 34 percent on the same quarter the previous year.

Playtech said trading activity in the first 26 days of the third quarter was more than 10 percent up on the same quarter the year before but down 12 percent on the second quarter due to gamblers being away on holiday or distracted by the lure of the soccer World Cup.

The company, which agreed a partnership with William Hill (WMH.L) in October 2008 to develop the bookmaker's online operations, said its share of profit in William Hill Online was 7.6 million euros, up 4 percent on the previous quarter.

It added that first half EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) was not expected to be less than 53 million euros.

Shares in Playtech closed on Tuesday at 420 pence, valuing the business at 1.02 billion pounds.

Source: www.reuters.com

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