Partygaming Tables Profit Growth

Partygaming, which operates the world's largest online poker site, has seen an 80% rise in sales but warned market growth could slow in the future.

The US firm, which listed on the London stock market in June, made revenues of $437.4m (£237.7m) in the six months to 30 June, up from $241.5m a year ago.

Pre-tax profits at the firm, which runs the Party Poker website, rose to $186.3m from $146.6m a year ago.

The company currently has a stock market value in excess of £6bn.

Partygaming became the largest company to float on the London stock market this year when its shares started trading in June.

In its first results statement since its flotation, the company said revenues from its core poker business had increased 89% to $412m.

The firm said it continued to attract more players from outside the US and that its current trading was in line with expectations.

But it warned of a slowdown in its current rate of growth in the future.

"Whilst the online gaming market and poker in particular continues to show strong year on year growth, the rate of growth is continuing to moderate," said chief executive Richard Segal.

"As it does so, the group will continue to adapt its marketing strategy and infrastructure to provide greater focus on customer retention and player value."

Partygaming has been linked with a possible bid for Empire Online, the internet gaming firm which is the subject of takeover speculation.

Empire Online has been approached by internet betting firm Sportingbet about a potential £790m offer.