William Hill first to UK market with Apple Watch

William Hill today beat a number of rivals to the punch and became the first operator to integrate Apple Watch functionality into its UK-facing iOS app.

The firm released an update of its flagship sports betting application last night in the Apple App Store to enable customers to bet on football and horseracing via the Apple Watch, which makes its long-awaited debut on Friday.

William Hill PR spokesperson Jon Ivan-Duke told eGaming Review the operator saw great potential in the new wearable device with rival firms plotting similar launches in the coming months.

“It’s exciting to launch new products at any time, but particularly as there won’t be any other operator who will be in the marketplace before us,” Ivan-Duke said.

“Wearable technology is developing all of the time and Apple Watch gives William Hill the chance to connect with our customers in a new and innovative way.

“We always want to find the best ways to speak with our customers and interact with them and Apple Watch is an exciting new channel to explore,” Ivan-Duke added.

The launch follows news yesterday that Ladbrokes was plotting to become the first operator to release product designed specifically for Apple Watch with a launch in Australia on Friday.

This week’s eGR poll asks whether smartwatches will prove to be a game-changer for the egaming industry.