Evoke to close 200 William Hill shops after tax hike

Evoke has confirmed plans to close around 200 William Hill betting shops across the UK. Rising cost pressures following recent gambling tax increases have been cited as the reason. The closures will begin in May and form part of a wider strategic review as the operator reassesses its retail footprint and long-term structure.

Closures to begin in May

Evoke told staff this week that approximately 200 retail locations will shut permanently. This is around 15% of its UK estate. The operator currently runs about 1,300 betting shops nationwide.

The company said the closures are necessary because certain locations are no longer commercially viable. It added that the process will begin in May. Support will be offered to affected employees.

An Evoke spokesperson said the decision followed a “thorough review” of its retail operations in light of mounting financial pressures.

Tax increases drive cost pressures

The move follows changes announced in the UK’s Autumn Budget, led by Rachel Reeves. The government confirmed a significant rise in Remote Gaming Duty. This came into force this month, alongside an increase in Remote Betting Duty set for April 2027.

Evoke had previously warned that these measures could impact profitability. Former CEO Per Widerström confirmed earlier this year that shop closures were under consideration as part of cost-cutting efforts.

Other operators have raised similar concerns. Betfred and Entain have both indicated that higher taxes could lead to further retail contraction. Flutter Entertainment closed 57 shops in 2025.

Strategic review and sale speculation

Evoke has been conducting a strategic review since December. It has explored options that could include a partial or full sale of the business, as well as potential asset disposals.

Analysts have already revised expectations. Deutsche Bank cut its EBITDA forecasts for FY26 and FY27 by 12% and 18%, respectively, citing pressure on margins and slower online growth.

Industry figures have also weighed in on possible next steps. Ben Robinson suggested private equity could be the most likely buyer for the group. Robin Chhabra argued that selling off Evoke’s international division may offer the quickest route to reducing debt:

“The jewel here is the International division; markets like Italy, Spain, Romania and Denmark offer double-digit growth. They are untouched by the chancellor’s new duties. Selling these is the only quick route to deleverage.” – Robin Chhabra, CEO and president of Tekkorp Capital

The outcome of the review remains uncertain, but the planned closures show the scale of the challenges facing retail betting in the UK market.