UK-listed online gambling operator GVC Holdings saw operating profit soar in 2014 thanks to the “resounding success” of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

GVC, which operates the Sportingbet and Betboo brands, issued a preliminary results announcement for the year ended Dec. 31 that showed betting turnover rising 25% to €1.46b and net gaming revenue up 32% to €225m. Earnings rose 28% to €39.2m and GVC’s stock rose 1.3% on the day to close at 460p.

Sportsbook revenue was up 21% to €110.2m, 71% of which was generated by GVC’s mobile channels. Sportsbook margin was up 0.2 points to 9.8%, despite the widely cited ‘punter friendly’ football results that decimated other operators in Q4. Non-sports gaming revenue rose 26% to €114.6m.

In 2015 trading through March 18, GVC says sports wagers are up 22% over Q1 2014, net gaming revenue is up 18% to €661k per day and in-play revenue is up 19% to €300k per day. GVC CEO Kenneth Alexander said the firm “has never been in a stronger position and we look forward to 2015 and beyond with confidence.”