Apollo Takes Over William Hill's International Business Division following CVC's departure
In the world of sports betting and gaming, the fate of William Hill's assets continues to be a topic of interest. While the auction for the European operations of William Hill was concluded last year, with 888 Holdings emerging as the victor, the US portion of the business remains with Caesars Entertainment.
As of August 2025, there is no publicly disclosed ongoing auction or active bidding activity for William Hill assets by Caesars Entertainment. The last significant transactions and bidding activity on William Hill assets date back to 2021-2022, when Caesars acquired the company primarily for its US operations and subsequently put the European business up for sale.
The remaining contenders for the William Hill assets are 888 Holdings (OTC:EIHDF) and Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO). Apollo's interest in sports betting mergers and acquisitions is evident in its bid for the William Hill assets, and the company is currently in a gaming assets buying spree. This has led to speculation that Apollo may also acquire the Cosmopolitan on the Las Vegas Strip from Blackstone.
Negotiations between 888 and Apollo are ongoing regarding the terms for the William Hill deal. The form of 888's bid is not yet public, but Apollo's bid may include an offer to purchase Caesars' UK casinos as a sweetener.
It is worth noting that CVC Capital Partners, which controls German sportsbook operator Tipico, recently dropped out of the bidding process. Advent International entered the bidding process in early July but departed a few weeks later.
The potential value of the William Hill assets being auctioned could exceed prior forecasts. Analysts suggest that the assets could potentially fetch $2.33 billion to $2.75 billion, surpassing the earlier estimates of $1.65 billion to $2 billion.
The auction for William Hill assets is being conducted by Caesars Entertainment. Caesars recently told suitors to submit their best and final offers, indicating that the process is nearing its conclusion. The identity of the eventual winner, whether 888 Holdings or Apollo Global Management, remains to be seen.
Summary:
| Asset | Status | Bidders/Offers | Date | |----------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------| | William Hill (US) | Owned by Caesars | No sale/bids reported | 2025 | | William Hill (Europe) | Sold to 888 Holdings | 888 Holdings (£2.2B→£1.95B) | 2021-2022 | | Current Auction | No public info available | 888 Holdings, Apollo reported | As of Aug 2025 |
In the realm of finance and business, the ongoing auction for the remaining assets of William Hill, specifically the banking-and-insurance and fintech sectors, has yet to be disclosed publicly. The last significant transactions involving William Hill assets were the acquisition of the company by Caesars Entertainment and the subsequent sale of European operations to 888 Holdings in 2021-2022.
Notably, Apollo Global Management, a company with a demonstrated interest in sports betting mergers and acquisitions, has expressed an interest in acquiring the William Hill assets, fueling speculation about potential expansion of their portfolio. 888 Holdings remains a significant contender in the bidding process as well.
