Ladbrokes is introducing new look betting shops

But the UK firm said the decline was offset by a strong performance at its Ladbrokes gaming division, where profits rose 43% to �214.1m.

Overall, Hilton said annual pre-tax profits for the group had risen by just 0.4% to �272.4m.

The war in Iraq and Sars outbreak had led to the "less satisfactory" results at its hotels division, Hilton said.

Betting highs

The Watford-based group, which operates around 400 hotels worldwide outside the US, insisted there were "some signs of a gradual recovery" in the sector.

Chief executive David Michels said despite tough conditions in the hotels sector, the company had made progress over the year.

Mr Michels added that prospects for the gaming industry remained good, boosted by the introduction of virtual betting machines, or fixed odds betting terminals offering games such as roulette.