Lottomatica H1 net rises 59 percent on lower taxes, higher sales.

(From AFX UK (Focus))

MILAN (Thomson Financial) - Lottery company Lottomatica SpA said net profit rose 59 percent in the first half of the year, thanks to lower taxes in Italy, and as sales rose, driven by sports betting, gaming solutions, and scratch card operations in Italy.

Net profit rose to 78 million euros from 49 million a year earlier, while sales rose by 11 percent to 928 million and EBITDA by 4.7 percent to 399 million euros, according to a statement on Thursday.

Results benefited from the recent acquisition of Atronic in the U.S., which was completed in the first half by its GTECH Corp unit, it said.

Looking ahead, CFO Stefano …