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888 Holdings shares plummeted on Friday after the gambling group revealed a massive drop in profits.

Pre-tax profits at the Gibraltar-based business tumbled by two-thirds to £14.4million in the first half of 2022 as loosening Covid restrictions and stricter safety measures led to a decline in Britons gambling online.

Profits were also dented by costs associated with selling its bingo division and acquiring William Hill’s non-US operations, both of which were completed in early July.

dived 10.8 per cent, or 17.3p, to 142.7p on Friday, meaning their value has declined by around 60 per cent in the past 12 months.

The firm revealed total revenues fell by 13 per cent to £332.1million, with the largest fall occurring in the UK, where they plunged by a quarter after the group implemented lower affordability thresholds and caps on slots stakes.

Trade in Europe was further affected by the shut down of its operations in the Netherlands last year ahead of a licensing regime overhaul that legalised internet betting in the country.

By comparison, revenues earned in the US climbed by 29 per cent thanks to the company launching in Pennsylvania and its tie-up with the World Series of Poker tournament.

However, 888’s sales across the Americas remained flat due to its promotional investment to support its launch in Canada and the introduction of its SI Sportsbook in Virginia and เอ็กทีเอ็ก788 Colorado. 

Sports betting has skyrocketed in popularity in the US ever since the country’s Supreme Court overturned a law that effectively banned the activity across all bar a few states in 2018.

British bookmakers have received a substantial financial boost as states have gradually liberalised their gambling laws, but they have also become targets for potential takeovers. 

American hotel and casino operator Caesars Entertainment purchased William Hill for £2.9billion in 2021 with the intention of later selling the non-US assets of the London-based business. 

Private equity giants CVC Capital Partners and Apollo Global Management joined the race, but were rejected in favour of a £1.95billion buyout from 888 instead. 

As part of the deal, Caesars relinquished control of all 1,400 William Hill betting shops in the UK and digital gaming brands Mr Green and Redbet.

888 had previously attempted to buy William Hill with Mecca Bingo owner Rank Group for £3.6billion in 2016 before abandoning the effort after being told their offer was too low and required massive debts to fund the purchase. 

Chief executive Itai Pazner said: ‘The combination with William Hill, which we completed soon after the period end, transformed the group and creates very strong foundations to support our ambitious growth plans.’