A burst in online gambling activity has provided a positive result for 888.com.

The casino and poker operator posted an increase in first quarter net gaming revenues of $84 million - up 42% from last year. The split was $39 million for poker and $45 million for casinos. Poker has seen a 66% increase in March this year - compared to March '05.

888.com points to an increase in activity in raising its profile - both snooker and premiership football shirt sponsorship gave huge exposure.

Other increases showed a rise in active players to 319,374 in the first quarter and jump in revenues per head - $554 per active casino member and $162 for poker players

888 had a positive start to the current year with an improvement in net margins. The first quarter was seasonally strong and we anticipate the historical seasonal pattern to continue into the second and third quarter with margins more akin to historical levels," the company said, as it noted that it was growing more rapidly outside the United States, where online gaming is a contentious political issue.

"We continue to drive our business for long-term sustainable profit and overall we remain confident of making good progress in the current year," it said

Article: Online gambling boom boosts 888