Tue, 06 Mar 2018 | DIVISION SALE
One of the world’s largest betting companies has sold off its Australian business following a crackdown on the country’s gambling laws.
A ban on credit betting – where customers are leant money at an interest rate to use in their betting picks – and a new tax on bookkeepers at the point of consumption in Australia prompted William Hill to undertake a strategic review of its operations in January.
The regulatory changes led the British group to write down the value of its Australian unit by £238 million dollars, however, pushing William Hill into a pre-tax loss of £75 million for 2017.
The ban on credit betting had a particularly detrimental effect as William Hill historically took a higher level of leveraged bets from its Australian customers than many of its rivals.
Selling off the firm’s Australian business was described by the firm’s chief executive, Philip Bowcock, as an opportunity for the betting agent to refocus on its UK online and US businesses.
He explained: “The disposal follows a strategic review of the Business, launched in January after its profitability came under increased pressure due to the recent credit betting ban and the likely introduction of a Point of Consumption tax.”
William Hill also announced it had identified a buyer in fellow Australian sports betting business CrownBet which, along with a group of shareholders related to CrownBet founder Matthew Trip, pulled together a A$300 million (£169 million) bid for the division.
The Australian unit recorded revenues of A$201 million in 2017, resulting in earnings of around A$47 million dollars, before the write-down was announced. The firm also faced additional costs thanks to a group-wide transformation programme that ended up being more expensive than anticipated.
This unique holiday accommodation business offers distinctive, design-led stays on over 15 acres of private land, complete with exceptional amenities and a residential property. With a strong occupancy rate of over 90% and excellent guest reviews, it...
FREEHOLD
A 10 bedroomed town centre hotel which welcomes tourists and locals alike. Set in the picturesque region of Dumfries and Galloway, the hotel also hosts a year-round trade of golfers, bikers, cyclists, hikers and sighters keen to take advantage of the...
FREEHOLD
Located on the Island of Burray, just off mainland Orkney, once only accessible by boat, but now linked by the iconic causeways - the Churchill Barriers. The hotel itself has an imposing position overlooking the beach and Burray Harbour, with stunnin...
FREEHOLD
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.