{"id":14146,"date":"2025-10-14T08:38:22","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T13:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mundovideo.com.co\/en\/?post_type=europe&p=14146"},"modified":"2025-10-14T08:38:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T13:38:24","slug":"evoke-to-axe-up-to-200-william-hill-shops-as-tax-squeeze-tightens-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"europe","link":"https:\/\/www.mundovideo.com.co\/en\/europe\/evoke-to-axe-up-to-200-william-hill-shops-as-tax-squeeze-tightens-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Evoke to axe up to 200 William Hill shops as tax squeeze tightens in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The United Kingdom\u2019s betting landscape is bracing for a shake-up as Evoke plc<\/strong>, the parent company of William Hill<\/strong>, considers shutting down up to 200 retail betting shops<\/strong>. The move comes as the operator faces mounting fiscal pressure<\/strong> and speculation over a potential tax hike on gambling revenues<\/strong> in the upcoming UK budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry sources told that the closures could affect nearly 15% of William Hill\u2019s 1,300 outlets<\/strong>, marking one of the largest retail contractions since the 2019 crackdown on Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). Evoke \u2014 formerly 888 Holdings \u2014 acquired William Hill\u2019s non-US assets from Caesars Entertainment in 2022 and has since battled to rebalance debt exceeding \u00a31.8 billion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Evoke reported a return to adjusted profit in H1 2025<\/strong>, driven by cost-cutting and digital growth. Still, the company aims to trim an additional \u00a325 million in operational expenses<\/strong> this year to protect margins against soaring wages and energy costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cWe\u2019re reviewing the footprint and ensuring our retail business remains sustainable in any economic scenario,\u201d an Evoke spokesperson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The closures, if confirmed, would jeopardize more than 1,500 jobs<\/strong>, reigniting debate over the government\u2019s mixed approach to gambling reform \u2014 tighter controls for operators but growing reliance on gaming-related tax income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s strategy could set the tone for the next wave of consolidation \u2014 a risky yet necessary bet in a market known for its volatility, competition, and relentless change.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Evoke, owner of William Hill, is weighing the closure of up to 200 UK betting shops as rising taxes and operational costs put pressure on the gaming giant. Analysts warn the move could reshape the country\u2019s retail gambling market.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14150,"menu_order":19,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[3184,105,1218,3149,1058],"class_list":{"0":"post-14146","1":"europe","2":"type-europe","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"tag-europe","8":"tag-sports-betting","9":"tag-tax","10":"tag-uk","11":"tag-william-hill","12":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nEvoke to axe up to 200 William Hill shops as tax squeeze tightens in the UK - Mundo Video Entertainment | Casino News in Latin America and the World<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Evoke, owner of William Hill, is weighing the closure of up to 200 UK betting shops as rising taxes and operational costs put pressure on the gaming giant. 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