William Hill, Flutter shares fall as California sports betting bill pulled

Bookmakers were under pressure on Tuesday after the state of California pulled a bill that would have legalised sports betting in person and online.

At 0925 BST, shares of William Hill were down 5.4% at 130.50p, while Flutter Entertainment was 1.4% lower at 11,200p.

The bill, which would have needed to be approved by voters, would have had to pass by Thursday to be included in a November ballot initiative. It would have allowed sports betting in California’s tribal casinos and racetracks, but not in card rooms, which offer poker and other games.

California Senator Bill Dodd, a sponsor of the legislation, said he was pulling the bill due to opposition from tribal casino operators.