The group said the results reflect the continuing growth in both its betting and gaming divisions while recovery in its hotel sector is continuing from last year’s low base.

To that end, the total gross win for Ladbrokes increased by 27 per cent while UK retail gross win increased by 25 per cent benefiting from a 14 per cent growth in ‘over the counter business’.

Meanwhile, in Hilton’s hotel division, trading conditions have begun to show same signs of recovery in many different parts of the world, although late booking patterns continue.

In the UK, London leads overall growth with a 17 per cent increase in revpar while Europe in general has seen a revpar growth of 8.9 per cent.

A statement from Hilton said: “The group profit achieved in the first four months of this year is encouraging. Prospects for the betting and gaming division remain strong.

“Against a background of continuing global uncertainties, growing demand in the hotels division needs to be sustained over several months to provide a platform for enhanced rate growth towards the end of this year and, particularly, in 2005.”