UK-listed gambling operator Gala Coral Group posted a modest revenue gain in its fiscal year, as a strong performance by its online operations helped offset retail stagnation.

For the 12 months ending Sept. 26, Gala Coral reported revenue up 6.4% to slightly over £1b, while earnings rose 1.3% to £205.3m. Company CEO Carl Leaver claims earnings would have risen 30% once you factor out the impact from last year’s FIFA World Cup and the introduction of the UK’s online 15% point-of-consumption tax (POCT).

Gala Coral’s online operations reported revenue up nearly 36% to £247.8m, while online earnings rose a more modest 13.5% to £56.2m thanks to the aforementioned POCT. Again waving his theoretical wand, Leaver said online earnings would have been double that of the previous fiscal year were it not for those pesky regulatory and seasonal headwinds.

Online gains were strongest at Coral.co.uk, which reported revenue up nearly two-thirds to £119m as active customers increased by one-fifth. Sports betting revenue improved by £16.9m while gaming revenue rose by £28.8m. Coral credited the online gains to more betting options, a stronger cross-sell from sports into gaming and higher multi-channel activity.