Online gambling giant 888 has reported record growth, with 3.6 million members now betting online.
The website reported a 35 per cent increase in real money memberships in its final quarter results for 2006 despite the operator having to exit its operations in the US because of regulation changes last October.
Changes in legislation limited online gambling companies from being able to accept electronic payment methods, such as credit cards, for members to use its casino and poker games – dealing 888's US market a crippling blow.
The company's non-US business reported a net gaming revenue of $157 million (£78 million) in 2006, 28 per cent above revenue in 2005. Its net gaming revenue for all business, including the US, was up seven per cent in the same period.
Helping its non-US operations were the release of new online casino in Spanish and German languages and a new sports betting licence issued in Italy in December.
The increase in revenue for 888 has continued into the start of 2007, with revenue set to rise even further by the release of a mobile casino this month.
Announcing the results, chief executive Gigi Levy said: "888 continues to expand its innovative product offering, diversify its geographical footprint with a localised customer experience and extend its multi-channel customer acquisition and retention campaigns.
"Following our exit from the US market in… 2006, the company has worked hard to continue expanding its non-US business and we are especially pleased with the results released today and our performance in recent months."
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