William Hill will start to reopen its UK betting shops bit by bit in the second half of the year as it keeps an eye on developments in the US.

The betting giant revealed it would start a “staged opening” in the second six months of the year, which begins in July.

Group revenues at bookmaker William Hill fell by more than half in the six weeks to April 28 and the company pulled guidance as the cancellation of sports due to coronavirus lockdowns hit operations.

Total net revenue fell 57%, including an 85% plunge in retail like-for-like revenue as High Street gambling shops were closed to help stop the spread of the pandemic, the company said on Friday.

The company said it had taken “decisive action” to reduce costs and maintain cashflow, saying it had drawn down credit facilities and had more than £700m in unrestricted liquidity on 28 April.

“We remain focused on player safety, employing ever more customer protection. We are taking care of our teams, securing as many employment opportunities as possible and we are ready to power up the business as soon as Covid-19 restrictions permit,” said chief executive Ulrik Bengtsson.