William Hill has sold its about 82 UK trackside betting booths for $2.6 million to Racecourse Pitches Ltd, which does business under the Sid Hooper betting brand, according to UK reports.
William Hill has been offering trackside operations since 1933. However, the bookmaker recently expanded its racetrack betting shop portfolio, increasing its number by 34 to 41 through deals with Jockey Club Racing Go Racing Yorkshire and various independents.
William Hill Trading Director Terry Pattinson told the Racing Post that the move represents a new strategy for the bookmaker.
“We have reviewed whether our rails operation continues to makes commercial sense,” he said. “Our focus now is to provide on course customers with a full retail experience on the racecourse, so it makes sense to move away from our rails operation, hence, we have agreed a sale with Racecourse Pitches.”
According to the Post, William Hill is the lead sponsor of ITV Racing and sponsors races at Ascot, Ayr and Ripon tracks. A recent deal with Jockey Club Racing makes the bookmaker exclusive betting shop provider at Jockey Club courses.
Sid Hooper, managing director at John Hooper, told the Post: “We have been looking for expansion opportunities for some time and we are thrilled to have acquired the William Hill on-course portfolio of pitches.”
