”We are already an international business, with significant parts of our operations in different countries, and are expanding in terms of our overseas involvement. We view ourselves as an international business, and not just a UK bookmaker. The deal with Playtech confirmed that and also pointed to the future of our business.

But we are also a company in an industry that faces enormous challenges, particularly in the UK. For example, we’ve had to close 20 shops this year and yet we cannot expand due to competition law. Sixteen thousand people in our business are on a pay freeze in an effort to save jobs in 2,300 shops and in our two call centres in Leeds and Sheffield.