Approximately 200 William Hill Betting Shops in the UK to Be Closed

(AsiaGameHub) –   Evoke, the operator of William Hill, is poised to close approximately 200 of its betting shops across the UK, with the initial closures slated to commence in May. This decision stems from the group grappling with increased operational costs, a more stringent tax environment, and an ongoing strategic review that could still lead to further modifications across the business.

Good to Know

• Evoke intends to shut down about 200 outlets, which constitutes roughly 15% of its retail portfolio.
• The program for these closures is scheduled to begin in May.
• The broader strategic assessment might still encompass asset divestitures or other potential alternatives.

Evoke Cuts Shops as Tax Pressure Builds

The operator informed its staff on Tuesday that around 200 retail locations would be permanently closed. Evoke later confirmed this plan, stating that the closures are part of a wider strategic review that has been underway since December.

This review extends beyond just the shops. The group has been evaluating options including a partial sale, a complete sale, and what it termed a “range of potential alternatives.” Consequently, while the closure plan is now clear, the ultimate outcome for the business remains undetermined.

Pressure had been mounting for several months. Prior to the autumn budget, retail betting operators had warned that higher taxes could necessitate shop closures. When Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a significant increase to Remote Gaming Duty and Remote Betting Duty, the threat became more immediate. Per Widerström, who served as chief executive at the time, subsequently confirmed in January that closures were forthcoming.

One aspect of that tax change became effective today, while the increase in Remote Betting Duty is set to begin in April 2027.

Evoke operates approximately 1,300 betting shops throughout the UK, making the planned reduction a substantial cut to the William Hill retail network. The company stated that the stores selected for closure are no longer viable under current market conditions.

In a statement shared with iGaming.org, Evoke commented: “Following a comprehensive review and in light of increased cost pressures on the regulated sector, including significant tax increases announced by the government in last year’s autumn budget, we will be closing a number of shops that are no longer sustainable from May.

“We are providing our full support to our retail colleagues who are impacted by these closures.

“These decisions are never made lightly; however, in the face of rising cost pressures, we must take action to ensure we can continue to invest in our core retail estate, with the right shops, in the right locations.”

Retail Betting Continues to Shrink

Evoke is not an isolated case. Other major operators had previously cautioned that the tax increase could affect retail estates across the market. Betfred and Entain were among the groups that voiced concerns. Flutter also closed 57 shops in 2025 as the land-based betting sector continued to decline.