Introduction
William Hill has been a brand associated with sports betting since the ’30s and is synonymous in the United Kingdom for its excellent sports betting shops, and its increasing popularity online has spurred growth throughout the European Union and other jurisdictions due to its virtual sports and the alternative options it provides.
Its access to new technological advances has allowed William Hill to meet the continued growth and demand for instant gaming via its virtual sports betting, all while dealing with a constant stream of real-life sporting events. The difference and appeal are that while real-life sports must deal with the reality of human injuries and weather conditions that impact player performance, virtual sports do not and are always available to satisfy those looking for simulated sporting events.
Powered by Inspired Entertainment, a leading virtual sports provider, its ensures, along with already in place security protocols by William Hill, specialised software such as random number generator software designed to provide good random results without the risk of interference from outside sources.
Within this article, we look in-depth at the various virtual sports betting products that are offered at William Hill and indicate race durations, betting options and the overall quality derived from the experience it delivers.
Virtual Football
William Hill’s virtual football is a recreation of the most popular global sporting event, and as the most viewed sport in the world, its presence is front and centre. As a result, those wishing to access virtual football can do so in a safe gaming environment 24/7 while its matches are played based on a pre-determined schedule. Joined by live commentary, it provides a life-life high-definition streaming simulation of football events that are designed to increase punters viewing pleasure.
Each Virtual football competition is re-created in an environment that simulates that one would observe if watching a real-life match, tournament or league. Despite virtual teams emulating real teams, their respective performances have nothing in common since RNG software determines all the outcomes of the players and teams, and therefore are based purely on fantasy styled matches. Punters will see teams such as Ukraine, Switzerland, Spain, Slovakia, Germany, and England competition in a virtual football match, and statistical data is made available for each team.
All virtual football matches at William Hill reduced from a traditional match time of 90 minutes into two minutes. Each half runs for approximately 60 seconds, and upon conclusion of the second half, game highlights shown which can include scoring opportunities, near misses, free kicks and corner kicks. Following its conclusion, a two-minute break will take place whereby a new match will then commence.
William Hill provides betting options for individual matches streamed via high definition video. Available options include Total Goals, Over/Under, Double Chance, Asian Handicap and Correct Score with odds calculated based on the use of a random number generator, meaning all odds are virtually created and are not meant to resemble those of their real-life counterparts.
Virtual Horse Racing – Flat
In meeting the demand for those with a penchant for horse racing, William Hill features two uniquely attractive options to deliver the excitement punters crave. The first of which is Fiat, a horse race whereby ten horse competes against each other in an all-out race to the finish. All odds are assigned randomly, and as with other virtual sports, races are carried out with the assistance of a random number generator to ensure fair and unbiased results.
As for its available betting options, Fiat virtual horse races offer a limited number of choices. The first of which is “Win Each Way” with its odds offered at 1/5th odds on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position horses. However, to assist in increasing punter odds, the option to place multiple race accumulator bets is available. That requires the selecting of the future races button and the subsequent selection of combined bets.
Fiat races commence with an introductory of each horse via live streaming video, with each horse and their rider then lining up in the starting gates. Each race lasts approximately 90 seconds and consists of one lap around the track. At its conclusion, race highlights will be displayed as will the first, second and third place finisher. A new race will follow whereby punters will be free to place bets before the start of the next race.
Virtual Horse Racing – Jumps
The other virtual horse race is where horses compete against others while jumping various obstacles that simulate steeplechase racing. Each race includes ten horses that race around a track while negotiating other horses and fences with bushes as often seen in races of this nature, and as with most virtual sports, outcomes are RNG determined and may not be based in any individual horses’ previous results.
In terms of betting options and markets, there are limited in the same manner to fiat races whereby punters only have the opportunity to place “Win Each Way” wager with odds at 1/5th for the first, second and third place finishers in the race. However, you can boost odds by placing accumulator wagers on many matches.
Each race under this category lasts for 90 seconds as horses race around a 3000m racing track. After the race completed, highlights of the actions are displayed whereby a new race will commence four minutes later. Betting markets close ten seconds before the start of the race, and before its, a two and a half minute introduction period will precede it.
Virtual Greyhounds – Flat
Just like with virtual football, virtual greyhounds have two categories for players to select from, with the first being “Flat, and the second Jumps. This variation of virtual greyhounds has dogs will participate in a flat out race to the finish and will consist of six competing dogs. New races begin every four minutes, with each race lasting for one lap around a 480m long track.
For fiat greyhound racing, betting options are offered for Win Each Way with 1/5th odds for the first place, second and third place finishers. Additionally, punters willing to accept higher risk bets can place accumulator bets on multiple races.
Each virtual greyhound race has a duration of thirty seconds and joined by simulated live commentary. At its conclusion, each race is followed by a variety of race highlights for fifteen seconds before race results will be displayed before a two-minute beak takes place whereby punters can place bets for the next race and view the introduction of its lineup.
Virtual Greyhounds – Jumps
Similar to its virtual horse racing, William Hill’s Virtual greyhound jump races simulate a real-life greyhound race that pits six dogs against each other as the race around Birch Park Racetrack while humping over a variety of hurdles. A new race begins every four minutes allowing punters to place bets, view past results and see the introduction of the pending race participants.
The betting markets for Greyhound jump races are identical to that of its fiat racing with accumulator bets offered to punters seeking higher risk, but more profitable returns and Win Each Way bets. All bets placed are offered at odds of 1/5 for the first place and second place finisher.
Each virtual greyhound race typically lasts thirty seconds long and is immediately followed with race highlights and the subsequent listing of race results. This period is usually 45 seconds in total duration and is followed by a two-minute break that allows punters to prepare and place bets for the upcoming race, view odds and watch a live introduction video feed of the next race of competing greyhounds.
Other Virtual Sports
In its pursuit to provide a sufficiently diverse range of virtual sports, William Hill includes several other virtual sports that encompass cycling, speedway and motor racing. Each provides stimulation re-enactments of their respective sporting events in a realistic environment. The duration and time between races vary, as do their betting options.
The first of those available, Motor Racing, features F1 and Indy Cars that are modelled into a virtual format providing exceptional heart-pounding action on the virtual race track Devils Gate Drive, purposely designed to satisfy the need for those who crave speed. Speedway focuses its energetic representation of real-life motorcycling action on a dirt track with high definition graphical simulations. Finally, cycling enthusiasts will its velodrome styled races ideally in line with expectations as racers barrel around a like-like track while they sprint for the finish.
The virtual motor racing, cycling and speedway each feature similarity in their betting options due to the inherent nature of this style of virtual sports racing. Those participating in virtual motor racing will be able to place bets only on the winner, while that virtual cycling allows for Win Each Way bets, as does its motor racing. The difference between comes with their respective odds with virtual cycling races being 1/5 for first, second and third, while motor racing is at 1/4 for first, second and third. All outcomes, as with its football, greyhounds, and horse racing, are determined at random using computerised RNG software.
Virtual Motorsport runs for thirty seconds, with interval break periods lasting for two minutes. The virtual Speedway mimics this format identically. However, with virtual cycling, the races last for sixty minutes and interval break periods are four minutes long.
Race durations vary and are dependent on the virtual sport being viewed. In the case of motor races, the duration of each race is 60 seconds followed by a 3-minute break where highlights will be streamed, race results displayed and an introduction of the pending race where punters can view odds and read betting tips before the new race takes place.
Virtual speedway races, on the other hand, last between 30 and 45 seconds, and in unison with its motor racing counterpart, it will be followed by a video replay of its race highlights, list race winners and follow this with an introduction of the next race.
Finally, virtual velodrome races have a 30-second duration with each race consisting of three laps. Following its conclusion, race results will be shown, as will race highlights and the subsequent intro of the new race and the line up for the next race.
Virtual Sports Provider
William Hill believes strongly in creating ties with those software providers that excel in the execution of perfection, and as such, have chosen to establish a relationship with Inspired Entertainment Incorporated, a leading developer of virtual sports entertainment. As a company, they have a presence in over thirty countries at more than 100 betting sites and includes virtual horse racing, football, greyhounds, stock car racing, motor racing, cricket, tennis, boxing, darts, cycling, speedway, lotto, bingo and keno.
Live betting on Virtual
Due to the very nature of virtual sports, the time events are carried out, and the subsequent times between virtual races or matches, the inclusion of live betting is not a possibility. Instead, all events are based on a timely scheduled or on-demand and as such, only traditional betting can be placed. While this may not meet the needs for all punters, the volume of virtual sporting matches or races more than makes up for its unavailability, as do the hours of entertaining virtual action it affords.
Virtual Sports Mobile Betting
William Hill is one of the most accessible mobile casinos in the European Union. Their mobile site effectively works across all mobile web browsers. That is a last case resort, as William Hill maintains an iOS and Android application through an APK File. You won’t be able to find the app conventionally through the Apple or Google Play Stores.
Today’s savvy sports bettor understands and expects that mobile betting will be equal to the quality of betting that a sports betting site provides online, and as such, William Hill takes the approach to ensure its mobile betting options more than meet the expectations of its members and guests alike. That has resulted in the inclusion of dedicated iOS and Android apps as well as a mobile compatible browser-based site that provides the same functionality and quality as its online site. Additionally, it affords the luxury to enjoy all betting markets, including its virtual products, access to a wide range of betting options, promotions and other features unique to William Hill.
Virtual Sports Offers
In keeping with industry standards, whereby most sportsbooks operating online do not feature exclusive promotions for its virtual sports section, William Hill does likewise instead opting to honour its welcome bonuses and other deposit based promotional opportunity for several of its other platforms. While for some punters this may be a disappointment, the reality is having a cross-platform bonus free of promo codes allows for a far superior experience in respect to promotional advantages as it permits punters to focus on betting, not cumbersome or limited promotional offers.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
To ensure William Hill meets its obligation to punters internationally, it has chosen to provide a generous selection of internationally recognised trusted payment methods to facilitate the funding of punter accounts, and subsequently, withdrawals. Each method is selected based on its geographical relevance to the markets William Hill participates in and their popularity. These are noted below in a table that lists its minimums, maximums and relevant processing times.
| Payment Method | Deposit Minimum | Deposit Maximum | Time for Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
 Visa | £5 | £99,000 | Instant |
 MasterCard | £5 | £99,000 | Instant |
 Maestro | £5 | £99,000 | Instant |
 Postepay | £5 | £99,000 | Instant |
 Diners Club | £5 | £99,000 | Instant |
 WilliamHill CashDirect | £10 | £5,000 | Instant |
 Paysafe Card | £10 | £200 | Instant |
 PayPal | £10 | £5,500 | Instant |
 Skrill | £10 | £80,000 | Instant |
 Neteller | £10 | £25,000 | Instant |
 EcoPayz | £10 | £8,400 | Instant |
 ApplePay | £5 | £99,000 | Instant |
 Fast Bank Transfer | £10 | £10,000 | Instant |
 Bank Wire Transfer | |||
 TrueLayer | £5 | £99,000 | Instant |
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Minimum | Withdrawal Maximum | Time for Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | £5 | £33,000 | up to 4 hours |
| MasterCard | £5 | £33,000 | 1 to 3 days |
| Maestro | £5 | £33,000 | 1 to 3 days |
| Postepay | £5 | £99,000 | 1 to 3 days |
| Diners Club | £5 | £99,000 | 1 to 3 days |
| WilliamHill CashDirect | £10 | £9,900 | Instant |
| Paysafe Card | |||
| PayPal | £10 | £5,500 | Same day |
| Skrill | £5 | £80,000 | Same day |
| Neteller | £5 | £25,000 | Same day |
| EcoPayz | £5 | £300,000 | Same day |
| ApplePay | |||
| Fast Bank Transfer | |||
| Bank Wire Transfer | £25 | £100,000 | 3 to 5 days |
| TrueLayer | £5 | £33,000 | Same day |
FAQ
Does the William Hill virtual platform support mobile play?
Yes. William Hill provides mobile access through both a mobile browser version as well as dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android. To download either mobile app, you can visit the William Hill mobile page and follow the instructions.
Is there a virtual football league?
Unfortunately, not. At this time, William Hill doesn’t offer virtual football leagues but instead prefers to focus on virtual matches between national teams like England & Croatia.
Am I required to place a real money bet to view the virtual race video streams before deciding if this is of interest to me?
No. Unlike many sportsbooks that require pointers to have placed a real money wager or maintain a positive balance to view live streamed events, William Hill allows its punters the opportunity to see all virtual events at this discretion regardless if they have placed a bet or maintained a positive balance. That applies to both registered and non-registered punters.
Am I permitted to use the William Hill welcome bonus for virtual betting?
No, unfortunately, William Hill’s promotional offers such as its welcome bonus specify in the terms and conditions that bets on virtual sports using bonus monies is not permitted. However, upon meeting wagering terms, balances remaining are free to be used on any virtual sporting event.
I find I continuously get a message asking me to download the latest version of Adobe Flash Plug-In. Am I able to by-pass this?
This often occurs after an Adobe Flash plug-in update. However, while it is recommended to download the latest version and the subsequent re-starting of your computer, this can be overridden by accepting to use the existing Adobe Flash plug-in. After that, all video streams will work flawlessly and allow you to enjoy all William Hills virtual sports offer.
Why won’t virtual sports launch on my mobile browser?
If virtual sports aren’t loading through mobile browsers, then the device being used is too old and doesn’t have the supported flash program. New phones or tablets have Adobe Flash directly built into the operating system.
If I change my mind after placing a bet on a virtual football match, am I able to cancel my bet?
Unfortunately not, once a bet placed in virtual sports, it cannot be altered or cancelled. That is due to the timeliness of virtual races and the short period between races.
Rating and Final Verdict
William Hill has built a strong reputation as a premier betting site provider and is working towards building and maintaining its position through the inclusion of virtual sports betting. However, for those accustomed to playing with other virtual sports providers, it is clear that William Hill’s virtual sports section needs some upgrades to compete with industry leaders. That said, while the number of virtual sports may be limited, those it does feature tick most boxes and provides a reasonable variety of betting options. The main drawback is lack of dedicated virtual sports promotions, which elevated due to the site offering specialised promotions for poker, roulette, blackjack and its live casino.
