Downturn, what downturn? That was the defiant message coming out of bookmaker William Hill on Monday, as it offered evidence that the economic misery starting to grip the nation is for now leaving some parts of the gambling industry relatively unscathed.

William Hill, with more than 2,250 betting shops, said its total gross win – the amount it retains after bets are paid out – rose 9 per cent in the past few months, against the previous year.