The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bookie-friendly results boosts William Hill
An “unprecedented” run of bookiefriendly results boosted William Hill in the first quarter, as the firm also ditched its underperforming Australian business.
The group’s net revenue grew 3%, boosted by a 12% rise in its online sales. Sportsbook and gaming revenues were up by 17% and 8% respectively.
However, retail sales dropped as weakness on the UK high street continued to drag on the business.
Retail sales fell 4% in the quarter, with sportsbook revenue down by 9% and gaming sales flat.
Philip Bowcock, William Hill’s chief executive, said: “Continued momentum in online and strong growth in the US have driven a good performance during the period.
“In the UK, an unprecedented run of bookmaker-friendly sporting results led to unusual wagering and gaming trends, which we expect to normalise over time.”
William Hill’s performance in the US was particularly strong, with net revenues soaring 45%. The business remains relatively small across the pond because the US has tough regulation on sports betting. It is only legal in a handful of states.
However, the Supreme Court is currently reviewing the gambling legislation and bookies are hopeful of a breakthrough.
“We are continuing to invest ahead of the Supreme Court’s decision to prepare for potential early regulation by certain states,” said Mr Bowcock.
William Hill’s success abroad has been mixed, however. The firm said yesterday that it had completed the sale of its Australian business on April 23.
CrownBet, a gaming giant in Australia, picked up the unit from William Hill for just over £170 million after profits came under pressure following a ban on offering credit to customers.