SOURCE: The Press Association

Bookmaker William Hill has said there had been no signs of a drop off in business, despite the tougher economic conditions.

The company's gross win - the amount left by losing punters - increased by a "satisfactory" 5 percent in the 16 weeks to April 22.

Extended winter opening hours meant the win percentage for the company's retail estate grew by 7 percent, with over-the-counter business ahead by 3 percent.

Sporting results were generally favourable for William Hill, with the Cheltenham Festival meeting expectations.

The Grand National, which was won by joint-favourite Comply or Die, was disappointing for bookies, but the Aintree meeting overall provided a "reasonable outcome".

The longer opening hours meant William Hill's gross win from gaming machines jumped 16 percent in the period.

The company's retail arm, which operates from more than 2,000 sites in the UK, has helped offset disappointing internet trading.

William Hill said: "The group is focused on maintaining and developing its strong retail channel. At this stage of the year it has not seen any evidence of a slow down in consumer spending affecting its business."

The company recently said that bookmakers usually fared better than other consumer-facing industries in tougher economic times, although more revenues now come from gaming machines in betting shops and online gambling.

The interactive part of the business affected Hill's performance last year, with a £20.9 million exceptional charge following its decision to abandon a long-running upgrade of its internet betting operation in January.

The company will move to a new platform by the end of November, but in the meantime the sports betting arm achieved "encouraging" growth over the second half of 2007.

There were weaker performances in casino and poker, which William Hill blamed on a competitive environment.