Ladbrokes sacks betting-odds boss following investigation It is not a criminal matter, it is a procedural matter. Simon French, an analyst at Panmure Gordon, said Mr Thompson's departure was "clearly disappointing news," adding that the affair called "into question the structure of the business." Another analyst said: "It makes them look at the least very stupid." One senior industry source said Mr Thompson had been a surprise appointment when he moved across to Ladbrokes from Antigua-based Bodog in February 2011. In an interview published on the recruitment website RP Jobs last August, Mr Thompson said working at Ladbrokes was a "complete culture change from the beaches of Antigua." When asked about his relationship with Ladbrokes chief executive, Richard Glynn, Mr Thompson described him as a "vibrant character who requires a fortnightly trading update from me." Mr Thompson, who gave his age as 43, went on: "He's shaking things up and is keen on trading tools like those employed in the City, which involve elements such as predictive algorithmic patterning." He said he owned a half-share in a two-year-old filly called Pink Evie and described himself as a Norwich City fan. Mr Glynn has faced pressure in the City over Ladbrokes' digital performance which has paled compared to that of its rivals, in particular William Hill. Ladbrokes opted to develop its online business internally after walking away from takeover bids for online gaming companies 888 Holdings and Sportingbet last year. Mr Glynn said in February he believed the online operation would deliver profit growth in the second half of this year as the benefits of a £50m investment in the division filter through. The popularity of betting machines helped the bookie to post an 8.9pc increase in first-quarter net revenue in April. Group operating profit in the first quarter rose 3.9pc to £50.4m. Ladbrokes shares closed up 4.6 at 168.6p.