A top UK bookies now makes more money from roulette machines in its betting shops than wagers on horse races, it has been revealed.

Figures released yesterday show while traditional over-the-counter takings at Ladbrokes ROSE by just under 1 per cent to £251.8 million in the first six months of 2008, horse racing made up less than half of that figure, with other sports bet offers — particularly football — taking the rest.

However, takings from 8,100 machines roulette machines in the same period were £142.5 million.

Ladbrokes said it expected machine takings to rise more slowly to 11 per cent in the second half of 2008, prompting fears of slower growth in the gambling sector.

Real Losers

Yesterday Casino Update reported how Ladbrokes planned a controversial launch into the US market to plug the gap left by departing high stakes poker players.

Ladbrokes punters lost almost a FIFTH MORE in betting shops in the first six months of 2008 than they did in the same period last year.