Bill Barber: strong US arm key reason why Hills have attracted two big suitors

In recent years the gambling sector has witnessed a wave of consolidation in which a number of the biggest names around have come together to form industry giants.

Up until now William Hill have failed to catch that wave but Friday's news that they have received not one but two takeover proposals could well change that situation.

It has been a turbulent period for William Hill, with the government's crackdown on FOBTs, the controversial gaming machines found in betting offices, prompting them to close more than 700 shops in the autumn of 2019.