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The company said that its performance had been impacted by a series of sporting results that favoured the customer, but noted that higher-than-expected turnover and improved cost control helped to limit the fall.
Year-to-date turnover was up three per cent, the firm stated in a trading update and the announcement prompted its share price to climb during stock market trading.
At 15.00 BST, its shares were 16.7p higher at 177.8p.
Chief executive Ralph Topping remarked that the outcomes of football matches and horseracing had a detrimental effect during August and September, but added: "Business volumes both in our shops and online since the beginning of the football season in mid-August have been good."
Its online services also grew over the three-month period, with turnover of its Sportsbook climbing by 40 per cent.
Further expansion is set for later this month, when William Hill launches its new online Playtech casino.
