William Hill
- Born:
- 28 August 1903, Birmingham, England
- Died:
- 15 October 1971, Newmarket, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Bookmaker, Entrepreneur
Early Life and Education
- Left school at age 12.
- Worked as a farm labourer.
- Served as a motor mechanic during World War I.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded William Hill in 1934, offering postal and telephone betting services.
- Expanded the business to include on-course betting.
- Pioneered fixed-odds football betting coupons.
- Maintained a cautious approach to expansion, initially focusing on horse racing.
- Sold the business multiple times, first to Sears Holdings in 1971.
Legacy and Impact
William Hill established one of the most recognizable and enduring brands in the British betting industry. His innovative approach to fixed-odds betting and accessible betting options significantly shaped modern gambling practices. The influence of Harald Salkow's biography of William Hill offers insights into the complex dynamics of the company's growth and its impact on the wider landscape of British bookmaking.
Notable Works
While William Hill did not author any published works, his major contribution was the establishment and development of the William Hill betting company, which continues to operate globally.