
Betfred CEO confirms over 130 shop closures as rising taxes bite
Betfred will close around 10% of its UK betting shops, with CEO Joanne Whittaker blaming gambling tax rises and increasing employment costs.

Paul is not only an avid gamer but has taken his love of this genre and turned it into a career spanning over seven years. During this time, he has used his passion and created informative and engaging content so that users can navigate online casinos, sweepstakes casinos, and sportsbooks with confidence.
Due to his love of gaming, he understands the need for transparency when it comes to information and always strives to give unbiased opinions on the games, sites, and operators he is reviewing, even if they are negative. He also likes to write in a more informal tone, so readers can expect light-hearted content with a fun twist.

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100+ online casino and sportsbook reviews created for sites like bet365, BetMGM, Casumo, and Kalamba.
50+ game reviews created, giving advice on mechanics and strategies, including popular slots like Starburst, The Dog House, and Revenge of Thor Megaways.
100+ casino and sportsbook information pieces produced to help consumers with different site aspects like payments, bonuses, and responsible gambling.
4+ years working in the sweepstakes casino industry, reviewing operators, and looking at how the social casino landscape has changed.
"When I’m not gaming, I’m incredibly active, whether it’s playing racket sports like table tennis and badminton or travelling to the far flung corners of the world like Greenland, Svalbard, Antarctica, and Iceland."
Paul wants to speak to you, the reader on a personal level. While he has high editorial standards, he will also ensure his content is friendly, light-hearted, and easy to digest. He also believes in full transparency and sharing his experiences with you from the iGaming world – both the good and bad.
Paul has covered virtually every aspect of the iGaming industry and has a deep insight into the operators, game publishers, and affiliate marketing process. He also prides himself on his casino game knowledge, especially card games like blackjack. Specific areas of expertise include:
Operator reviews - Paul loves delving into new casinos and sportsbooks to see what makes them tick, and to assess what value they are giving to potential customers.
Game Tips & Strategies - As video game fan, Paul appreciates the nuances of casino games and enjoys testing them, working out strategies, and explaining to you how to have the most enjoyable gaming experience.
Responsible Gaming - Paul is an advocate for responsible gambling and works hard to inform readers of the potential dangers, and how to stay safe and in control while using iGaming and sportsbook platforms.
"I was lucky enough to watch the inaugural NBA Cup Final in 2023 in Las Vegas live at the stadium and see an absolutely incredible performance from LeBron James as the Lakers defeated the Pacers."

Blackjack. Nothing comes close! For me, there’s something incredible entertaining about trying to beat the dealer and stick to an optimum strategy.
Hacksaw Gaming. The “Le” series, with games like Le Bandit and Le Cowboy are just great fun, and I love the little French racoon character and his silly animations.
I am also an avid Dungeons & Dragons player and spend some of my spare time writing lore for a fantasy world I have created.
It has to be basketball. Although I play table tennis, badminton, and tennis, I have had a love affair with basketball and the NBA since I was around 7-8 years old and that won’t evet change.
Antarctica. I fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting the frozen continent in 2014, and it is the most magical, mystical, and unbelievable place on this planet.

Betfred will close around 10% of its UK betting shops, with CEO Joanne Whittaker blaming gambling tax rises and increasing employment costs.

Sunderland and Nottingham Forest are still searching for front-of-shirt sponsors following the introduction of the Premier League’s gambling ban.

ITV has returned to the betting sector with a free odds comparison app, three months after the closure of its real-money ITV Play platform.

Midnite has extended its partnership with The Sun Dream Team for a second season, continuing its investment in football-focused marketing.

Sarah Fox will move from DCMS to oversee policy, research, statistics and National Lottery regulation at the Gambling Commission.

FDJ United’s revenue declined during the first half of 2026, with higher gambling taxes and continuing difficulties in the UK affecting performance.
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Police and Gambling Commission officers arrested a man and woman after executing a search warrant at premises on Lower College Street.

Weak scrutiny of white-label partnerships and B2B relationships has been identified as a contributor to money laundering risks.

Mr Vegas will appear on Reading FC’s men’s first-team shirts during the 2026/27 season as part of a wider fan engagement partnership.

Flutter Entertainment will leave the London Stock Exchange in August, ending a listed history in the UK stretching back more than 25 years.

Racehorse owner-breeder and former Molson Coors executive Simon Cox will become chair of the British Horseracing Authority in October.