UK sportsbook operator William Hill reported a 'decline' in poker revenues in the fourth quarter of 2011 in a trading update in advance of its annual results.

The operator said sports betting, casino and bingo had all seen year on year growth in the fourth period, but poker had seen a decline.

William Hill Online, the firm's joint venture with Playtech, had been one of the few operators to see growth in poker during 2011 with 14% growth in Q3 2011.

And the disappointing poker performance in Q4 comes despite another strong quarter for all other verticals, with William Hill Online expected to post a 17% rise in operating profit for 2011 of £116 million.

Sportsbook net revenue grew by 36%, and online gaming grew by 24% with the firm noting all verticals were 'in growth' during the year.