Latest News

William Hill to Permanently Close 119 Betting Shops in the UK

Published

6 years ago

August 6, 2020

Reading Time: < 1 minute

William Hill PLC has announced that it will not re-open 119 shops due to the Covid-19 impact on the UK retail environment, as the bookmaker swung to an interim profit on a value added tax refund.

The company also said that it has made a “robust” recovery in the opening weeks of the second half because of the resumption of sporting activities and re-opening of shops. As a result, the company has decided to repay GBP24.5 million to the UK government received under the coronavirus job retention scheme.

For the 26 weeks ended July 2, the company recorded pretax profit of GBP141.1 million compared with a loss of GBP63.5 million a year ago. The profit figure includes a GBP201.6 million tax refund, which was partially offset by GBP81.9 million non-cash intangible store impairment charge.

Stripping out exceptional gains and charges, William Hill’s operating profit fell 85% year-on-year to GBP11.8 million, ahead of the company’s expectations.

The H1 2020 revenue declined 32% to GBP554.4 million from GBP811.7 million. The drop was attributed to Covid-19 disruption to sporting events and temporary closure of retail activities, partially offset by favourable sports results and resilient gaming performance.

“Our trading was strong before Covid-19, we controlled costs effectively during lockdown and we have recovered well post-lockdown with good performances in our online businesses throughout the first half,” Ulrik Bengtsson, Chief Executive Officer of William Hill, said.

Bengtsson added that William Hill remains confident in pursuing its growth agenda, taking advantage of its market-leading position in sports betting in the US.

Eastern Europe

FeedConstruct locks up exclusive Romanian football data and streaming rights

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

feedconstruct-locks-up-exclusive-romanian-football-data-and-streaming-rights

Deal covers Romania’s FA Cup, Super Cup, Liga 2 and Liga 3, women’s Superliga and national team matches, plus Liga 1 Futsal.

FeedConstruct has signed an agreement to secure exclusive data and video streaming rights for a portfolio of Romanian football competitions, the company said.

FeedConstruct said the rights are held on an exclusive basis across the full season and expand its European football content for betting operators.

The agreement covers the Romanian FA Cup, Super Cup, Men’s Liga 2 and Liga 3, Superliga Women, Women’s National Team matches, and Liga 1 Futsal competitions.

Financial terms, contract duration beyond “the full season,” and any distribution or integrity safeguards were not disclosed.

The post FeedConstruct locks up exclusive Romanian football data and streaming rights appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3x3

Spinomenal releases Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3

Published

4 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Wladimir P.

spinomenal-releases-aztec-spell-–-hold-&-hit-3×3

Spinomenal has released Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3, adding a new Hold & Hit title to its slots portfolio.

The game runs on a 3×3 reel set and uses the Quetzal Bird as the Wild, substituting for all symbols except Bonus symbols. Two special Bonus symbols drive the main feature: Bonus symbols can land only on reels one and three, while Bonus Collect can land only on reel two.

The Bonus Game triggers when Bonus Collect lands alongside one or more Bonus symbols. Triggering symbols lock and the feature starts with three spins; during the feature only Bonus and Bonus Collect symbols can appear. Each spin can award multipliers of x1, x2, x5, x7, x10, and x15, and the round ends after three spins without a win or when total collected winnings reach the max x5000 multiplier.

Spinomenal said Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini in-game jackpot symbols can appear during the feature and pay immediately. A Bonus Blast feature can also trigger randomly to add extra Bonus and Bonus Collect symbols, and Spinomenal said Bonus Collect can still collect values even if it lands without starting the Bonus Game.

Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3 casts players into a mysterious jungle on the hunt for Aztec riches enhanced by some cool gameplay features. The titles’s beautiful visuals and proven Hold & Hit mechanics come together perfectly to give players an experience for the ages.”

The post Spinomenal releases Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Anthony Keen

Hard Rock Workers in Virginia Join Teamsters

Published

4 hours ago

June 4, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

hard-rock-workers-in-virginia-join-teamsters

A group of 221 table games dealers and dual rates at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol have voted to join Teamsters Local 519. They’re seeking a fair first contract that includes higher wages, improved benefits, and a strong voice on the job.

“Dealers and dual rates are the backbone of the gaming floor, and when they stand together, they have the power to win real improvements on the job. It was the best decision to choose the Teamsters, and we’re proud to support them as they move forward in securing a fair first contract,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division.

The dealers are responsible for operating table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. They manage the games, handle chips and payouts, and ensure games are conducted fairly and efficiently.

“It was a team effort from start to finish, and we had the best team to fight for representation, including our organizer, Marty Hinch. At the drop of a hat we were ready to support this group in their effort to join the Teamsters. Their determination carried over, and they’re going to reap the benefits,” said Wes Trotterchaud, President of Local 519.

“Choosing to join the Teamsters was about securing respect, stability, and a voice on the casino floor. We’re ready to negotiate a contract that reflects the hard work we do every day,” said Anthony Keen, a table games dealer/dual rate and proud new member of Local 519.

Nationwide, the Teamsters represent nearly 6000 members at casinos and casino hotels.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The post Hard Rock Workers in Virginia Join Teamsters appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.