25 Jun 2012

uk bookmaker granted US licence

10:35 am on 25 June 2012

British bookmaker William Hill has been granted a licence by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which gives it a green light to launch its first operations in the United States.

William Hill last year announced it was to buy three US companies, but the acquisitions were dependent on the awarding of a licence.

The BBC reports the deals are now expected to complete by the end of the month.

William Hill said is the first British bookmaker to be licensed for sports wagering in the United States.

Sports betting is legal under federal law in only four states - Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon.