Published on 12th May 2016 by Becky Mosley

As Q1 results are being posted all throughout the online casino industry, it seems to be largely good news across the board. However, for one particular industry presence Q1 2016 has been less than stellar. William Hill has announced that net revenue is down 3% when compared to Q1 2015, showing that the company is stuttering arguably a little more than most expected.

Cause For Concern From Industry Analysts

When you really delve deeper into the posted figures you can see that it doesn’t make for pretty reading. For starters, web-based net revenue has dipped 11% year on year, while net revenue from online casino operations dropped by 4%. Sadly, the aforementioned information is by no means the worst featured in the reports, this is because sportsbook net revenue suffered a whopping 17% drop. Representing considerable damage, William Hill is placing for the drop on unfavourable European football results, an unpredictable Cheltenham festival, and supposed drops in non-core market gambling activity. Add all of the aforementioned to the fact that online net revenue was also down 5%, and you and can start to see why there is cause for concern amongst industry analysts.

Renewed Optimism

Speaking on the tough start to 2016, James Henderson (William Hill CEO) said that the online division has faced some clear challenges, pointing specifically to the bookmaker’s inability to beat punters at key sporting events. But there are still calls for renewed optimism, as he pointed to the fact that the retail arm of the business has experienced “continued growth”. Heading into UEFA Euro 2016 and Rio 2016, there is belief that William Hill can put Q1 2016 firmly in the rear view mirror, but only time will tell if this proves to be the case.