William Hill has announced that it is withdrawing from a total of 55 countries, including almost all the African markets as well as other regions.
Effective tomorrow, 26 March, William Hill is pulling out of 55 countries, citing regulatory reasons. Affiliates have been notified via e-mail that the countries where the major provider ceases its operations include most African countries, in addition to Middle Eastern, Asian and South American states. Even after 26 March, players from the listed markets will be able to withdraw their money but neither to make deposits nor to play real money games.
As PokerFuse reports, the move follows a similar decision made by the room as regards China in August 2013, as well as Greece, Belgium and Denmark, on similar grounds. The 55 countries now join a current list of 28 markets, from which William Hill does not accept bets.
The withdrawal of the room is surprising to an extent, as no previous heads-up has been given on the matter. In fact, in its end-of-the-year report for 2013, William Hill boasted the increase in the “diversification of revenue streams with Online and Australia representing 48% of Operating profit and international markets increasing to 15% of net revenue.” Even remarks on regulatory issues were only mentioned as regards minor issues in regulated countries, like the UK.
The list of the 55 countries affected by the decision is as follows:
