WMH.L Share News (WMH)

(Sharecast News) - Gambling firm William Hill said net annual revenue fell 16% to £1.32bn, reflecting the impact of betting shop closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The company, which is being taken over by US giant Caesars Entertainment in a £2.9bn deal, on Wednesday reported a 9% rise in fourth quarter net revenue.

Sportsbook staking increased 16%, driven by enhanced products and geographical expansion, whilst gross win margins benefitted from favourable sporting results, driving Group sportsbook net revenue up 20% year-on-year.

US full year net revenue increased 32%, driven by strong growth online. Casinos remained closed or operated with restricted access for long periods and the major US sports leagues rescheduled their seasons in response to the pandemic.

William Hill US went live in five new states and launched mobile in five states, leading to 121% net revenue growth in the fourth quarter.

"When open, with no restrictions, retail traded well and profitably. At the end of the third quarter retail was on course for a breakeven outcome for the full year. However, the Covid-19 related restrictions experienced during the fourth quarter impacted all our 1,414 shops at some point, resulting in a full year loss of (around) £30m," the company said.

Caesars' expects the remaining approvals required from the relevant US gaming authorities will be obtained in time to allow the merger to complete early in the second quarter of 2021, "but possibly as early as March 2021", William Hill said in a trading statement.