William Hill PLC
05 July 2005



Tuesday, 5 July 2005


                                WILLIAM HILL PLC


                       PRE CLOSE PERIOD TRADING STATEMENT


In its circular to shareholders dated 31 May 2005, William Hill (the 'Group')
reported that in the 19 weeks ended 10 May 2005, gross win had been level with
the corresponding period and operating expenses had increased 7.6% compared to
the corresponding period.



In recent weeks, the Group has enjoyed improved sporting results whilst
continuing to exercise tight control over costs.



Consequently, in the 26 weeks ended 28 June 2005, the Group (excluding the
results of Stanley Retail Betting that was only acquired on 19 June 2005) has
seen gross win remain level with the corresponding period whilst the rate of
increase in operating expenses (pre-exceptional costs) has fallen to 4.4%.  This
performance has been achieved against a comparative period that benefited from
more favourable sporting results and the Euro 2004 football championship.



The outcome for the full year will be influenced by the degree to which sporting
results continue to normalise in the coming months.



Results for the 26 week period ended 28 June 2005 will be announced on 5
September 2005.







Enquiries:

David Harding, Chief Executive                Tel: 0208 918 3910

Tom Singer, Chief Operating Officer           Tel: 0208 918 3910

James Bradley/William Cullum                  Tel: 0207 404 5959




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