Online poker has boomed in popularity

There had been concerns that earnings would slip after Partygaming stopped letting players from rival websites gamble at its poker card tables.

Partygaming warned that growth could be less than many analysts had predicted.

Instead, the exclusive website helped lift growth and the firm said revenues rose 32% to $220m (�124m) in the three months to 30 September from a year ago.

Pick up

The positive current trading update should reinstall some confidence Matthew Gerard, Investec Securities Check Partygaming shares

Chief executive Richard Segal said he was "confident about the group's prospects".

Adding to his optimism was evidence that poker players were using the company's casino games - such as blackjack and roulette - more than had been expected.

Analysts urged caution warning that Partygaming's earnings may be remain volatile and susceptible to increased competition.

However, the outlook for earnings was still good, they said.

"The positive current trading update should reinstall some confidence in Partygaming," said Matthew Gerard, an analyst at Investec Securities.