William Hill: what lies behind the 'curious developments' at bookmaker?

The gambling industry has changed beyond recognition since 1934, the year William Hill founded the firm that still bears his name when opening an office in the heart of London's West End.

However, recent developments at the bookmaker, now among Britain's most well-known high street brands, have been so rapid they might lead observers to wonder what is happening behind the scenes at the firm and whether a fundamental shift is taking place at the industry institution.

Last year William Hill shut 700 betting shops in the space of a few weeks. Closures had been expected across the industry following restrictions to fixed odds betting terminal stakes, but only William Hill took such decisive action to reduce their retail empire.