Sportingbet Plc, a leading online sports betting and gaming group, announces its results for the second quarter ended 31 January 2009.

Highlights for the quarter

• Operating profit* up by 35% to £10.1m
• Operating profit margin now at 23%
• Adjusted fully diluted EPS* up 36% to 1.9p
• Live sports streaming helping to drive in-running betting
• Licensed South African sports betting operation launched

Highlights for the first half

• Operating profit* up by 39% to £16.2m
• Adjusted fully diluted EPS* up 32% to 2.9p
• Strong sports betting performance in both Europe and Australia
• Poker market remains highly competitive across Europ
• Net cash** of £27.3m

*    Adjusted to exclude exceptional items, share option charge and amortisation
**  Net of long term debt and customer liabilities

Andrew McIver, Group Chief Executive, commented:

“Quarter two concluded a robust first half of the financial year, with operating profit in the six months growing 39% to £16.2m.  The Group’s balance sheet remains strong with net cash of £27.3m.  Demand for our market leading sports betting product continues to grow. Whilst there are some signs of the economic downturn impacting upon some areas of our operations, such as Australian higher staking telephone business, our overall performance remains encouraging.  The third quarter has started strongly and the Board remains cautiously optimistic for the full year outcome.”

For further information please contact:

Sportingbet Plc  -  Tel: 020 7184 1800
Andrew McIver, Group Chief Executive
Jim Wilkinson, Group Finance Director
Simon Gregory, Director of Business Development

Maitland
George Hudson     Tel: 020 7379 5151
Mob: 07595 270877

There is a presentation for analysts and investors today at 9.30 at the offices of Sportingbet Plc, 45 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AE.  In addition, there will be a live audio webcast available at www.sportingbetplc.com.  Registration will be made available 10 minutes prior to the presentation start time.