William Hill completes Nevada sportsbook acquisitions
Deals for American Wagering Inc, Brandywine Bookmaking and Cal Neva had been subject to obtaining a gaming licence.
William Hill has completed the acquisition of three Nevada-based sports betting companies it agreed to buy for a total of US$55m last year.
The deals to buy American Wagering Inc (AWI), Brandywine Bookmaking and the racing and sportsbook assets of Sierra Developments, trading as Cal Neva, had been subject to Hills obtaining a gaming licence from the Nevada Gaming Commission, which was granted on 21 June.
AWI, acquired for $18m in May 2011, operates 72 sportsbooks and kiosks under the Leroy’s brand. The following month saw Hills agree a deal to acquire Nevada and Delaware-based sports betting company Brandywine for $14.25m.
The bookmaker has also paid $21m to casino and hotel group Sierra Development Company for the Cal Neva Sportsbook Division which runs 31 sportsbooks in the Silver State.
Executives from the three acquired companies will now join the board of the newly formed William Hill US. Vic Salerno of American Wagering has been appointed as chairman, Brandywine Bookmaking’s Joe Asher takes the role as CEO, and Club Cal Neva’s Jeff Siri is chief operating officer.
William Hill CEO Ralph Topping told eGaming Review last week that he saw the new US venture will “good standalone business” and provides a “good platform for business in the rest of the country”.