William Hill punters wager on table tennis in sports lull

15 May 2020

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William Hill says its punters have actually been banking on table tennis given that the coronavirus pandemic put paid to the majority of standard sporting events.

The bookie stated the sport was part of its bet9ja's welcome offer of "alternative items" for bettors throughout the lockdown.

Other opportunities for wagers consist of football in emerging market countries not yet as badly affected by the infection.

Looking ahead, the firm stated German football and French horseracing were its best possible earners.

Germany's Bundesliga is starting components once again behind closed doors this weekend, while racecourses had actually currently resumed activities in France.

"While this is clearly an evolving situation, there are favorable signs that some sports organisations are thinking about the resumption of live sports behind closed doors as early as this summer," William Hill stated.

Revenues down

Countries where football has not been suspended consist of Belarus, which has actually seen its Premier League bring in a new international following as a result.

The statement came as William Hill unveiled a trading update covering the 17 weeks to 28 April.

It stated that in the duration to 10 March, before coronavirus curbs started to bite, its performance was "robust", although group profits were down 5% year-on-year.

From 11 March onwards, however, its profits fell 57%, because of the lack of live sports content.

William Hill said its betting shops were closed in the UK and US. UK retail personnel have actually been furloughed and the bookmaker is topping up their incomes to make certain they get 100% of their salaries.

Drive-thru gambling

As it seeks to expand its US operations, William Hill has actually had to discover ingenious ways to get round limitations on betting in specific states.

In Nevada, people who want to place bets utilizing cellphone apps need to register in person for the service at a wagering shop before being allowed to utilize the app.

Since those centers are presently closed, William Hill has actually established temporary drive-thru services at in Nevada.

Would-be punters have to download the app before heading for the drive-thru. To finish the registration process, they require to send a photo of their state ID card and take a selfie with the app.

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