William Hill agree new partnership in US to target sports betting deals

William Hill have signed another deal to expand their footprint in the United States, this time with gaming company IGT in a bid to offer a sports betting service to state lotteries.

The multi-year agreement seeks to build on the two companies' partnership in Rhode Island where IGT was awarded the contract to run sports betting for the state lottery together with Hills.

The companies will now jointly consider all future sports betting opportunities and bid requests from US lotteries on a mutually exclusive basis.

Commercial terms between the partners have not been disclosed.

Hills US chief executive Joe Asher said: "William Hill's track record as an operator globally, and our clear leadership as a sports-book operator in the US in particular, mean that US lotteries can be confident that in choosing IGT and us together, they will be benefiting from a reliable, trustworthy, and responsibly managed solution – maximising revenues to each state with a quality product and service."

Hills first had a presence in the US when setting up in Nevada in 2012, which gave them a platform from which to expand once the US Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in May this year.

Earlier in September Hills agreed a 25-year partnership with Nasdaq-listed casino group Eldorado Resorts that will extend their reach to 13 states where sports betting is either legal or sports betting bills are tabled.

Analyst Paul Ruddy of Goodbody said of their latest deal: "No commercial terms have been disclosed so it is hard to know how much of the economics William Hill will receive.

"However, IGT is a very good partner and it already possesses very strong long-term relationships with US state lotteries.

"In certain US states, lotteries will be one of the chosen market access points and in a small number of cases the exclusive market access point. Getting involved in the supply to this part of the market should be seen as a positive for William Hill."

If you are interested in this you should also read:

William Hill set for historic Thursday with first wagers in New Jersey

William Hill to run sportsbook at Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com