William Hill has said it will be returning all the cash it took from the Government in furlough payments after a "good performance" saw customers return.
The bookmaker has reopened 1,414 shops since lockdown was eased and customers returned towards pre-coronavirus levels.
That's left the betting giant in a stronger position than it might have expected.
"In light of the good performance and our decisive actions to preserve cash, protect liquidity and strengthen the balance sheet, we have committed to repay the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme monies, amounting to £24.5m," William Hill said in a statement.
The chain credited the "extensive measures" it took to make customers feel safe for the performance - saying it helped both footfall and staking levels.
Chief executive Ulrik Bengtsson said: "We are very pleased with the trading performance of the Group, which has been borne out of the commitment, resilience and hard work of our teams across the business. I could not be prouder of them.
"We have moved the company forward with our relentless focus on our customers, enhancing the competitiveness of our product, and maintaining player safety as one of our highest priorities."
Looking ahead, William Hill said it would continue to implement government and local authority guidelines - keeping its focus on the welfare of customers and staff - while ensuring workers continue to receive their full salary.
Currently about 10% of stores are shut as a result of Covid-19 alert levels.
William Hill is far from alone in handing back furlough cash - with Primark, Asos, Dunelm and Ikea all returning money to the Government.
Meanwhile, major supermarkets including Sainsbury's simply didn't take it in the first place, instead funding staff wages from their own pockets if they were forced to self-isolate.
