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UK bookmakers granted licences in Las Vegas

UK bookmakers William Hill have announced that they have been granted non-restricted gaming licenses by the Nevada Gaming Commission, the highest tier of license available in Nevada.

William Hill, which delivers gaming and betting services on the high street, online and by phone employ around 16,000 people in the UK, Gibraltar, Israel and Bulgaria. It will be the first British bookmaker to be licensed for sports betting in America.

Last spring, William Hill entered binding agreements to acquire American Wagering, Brandywine Bookmaking LLC and the Club Cal Neva Satellite Race and Sports Book Division for approximately $49 million. These acquisitions, due to be completed before the end of the month, were conditional upon William Hill being licensed by the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Ralph Topping, Chief Executive of William Hill, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a license by the Nevada Gaming Commission. A Nevada gaming license is recognised around the world as a significant regulatory seal of approval and we are proud to have earned it.

“We are now able to bring together these three businesses to create a leading position in the US sports betting market, combining our brand and product range with AWI, Brandywine and Cal Neva’s extensive footprint, strong local relationships and trusted service. We look forward to working with our new colleagues to grow a leadership position in the U.S. gaming industry.”

Vic Salerno of American Wagering will be appointed as Chairman of the newly formed William Hill US, Brandywine Bookmaking’s Joe Asher will take on the role of Chief Executive officer and Club Cal Neva’s Jeff Siri will become Chief Operating Officer.

William Hill was founded in 1934 and now has 2,370 betting offices providing customers betting opportunities in sporting and non-sporting events. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and generates a yearly revenue in excess of £1.1 billion a year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Francesca Dent .