The United Kingdom’s betting landscape is bracing for a shake-up as Evoke plc, the parent company of William Hill, considers shutting down up to 200 retail betting shops. The move comes as the operator faces mounting fiscal pressure and speculation over a potential tax hike on gambling revenues in the upcoming UK budget.
Industry sources told that the closures could affect nearly 15% of William Hill’s 1,300 outlets, marking one of the largest retail contractions since the 2019 crackdown on Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). Evoke — formerly 888 Holdings — acquired William Hill’s non-US assets from Caesars Entertainment in 2022 and has since battled to rebalance debt exceeding £1.8 billion.
Evoke reported a return to adjusted profit in H1 2025, driven by cost-cutting and digital growth. Still, the company aims to trim an additional £25 million in operational expenses this year to protect margins against soaring wages and energy costs.
The pressure stems from expectations that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could raise gambling levies from 21% to as high as 50%, a measure that could add billions in public revenue but deal a heavy blow to operators. “We’re reviewing the footprint and ensuring our retail business remains sustainable in any economic scenario,” an Evoke spokesperson said.
The closures, if confirmed, would jeopardize more than 1,500 jobs, reigniting debate over the government’s mixed approach to gambling reform — tighter controls for operators but growing reliance on gaming-related tax income.
Analysts warn that higher taxation could accelerate the shift toward online betting, favoring global digital giants and squeezing mid-tier operators. As the UK gambling sector recalibrates, Evoke’s strategy could set the tone for the next wave of consolidation — a risky yet necessary bet in a market known for its volatility, competition, and relentless change.
