High street betting giant William Hill has announced plans to close 200 betting shops across Britain, putting up to 1,500 employees at risk of redundancy.
The bookmaker’s parent company, Evoke, cited rising cost pressures—including tax changes introduced in Labour’s Autumn Budget last October—as the primary reason for these closures.
Employees were informed of the decision today, with the closures expected to begin in May 2026. The affected sites represent roughly 15% of William Hill’s 1,300 retail locations nationwide.
During the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced fiscal measures that will significantly impact the gambling sector, including raising online gaming duties from 21% to 40% and sports betting levies from 15% to 25%. While these changes aim to boost government revenue, they have raised concerns among bookmakers about the sustainability of high street betting.
Analysts suggest that these closures reflect the broader challenges facing the UK gambling industry, as operators contend with rising taxes, rising operating costs, and declining foot traffic at retail locations.
Evoke issued a statement explaining the reasons for the decision and emphasising the need to restructure its retail estate to ensure long-term profitability.
A spokesman said: “Following a thorough review and further to increased cost pressures on the regulated sector including significant tax increases announced by the Government in last year’s Autumn Budget, from May we are closing a number of shops that are no longer sustainable.
The spokesman added: “We are offering our full support to our retail colleagues who are affected by these closures.
These closures represent a significant contraction in Britain’s high street betting sector, highlighting how government policy and economic pressures are reshaping a once-thriving industry.
These decisions are never taken 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,” the company said.
Per Widerström, chief executive of Evoke, said at the time of Reeves policy changes in October.
“These proposals are ill-thought-through, counterproductive, and highly damaging. It is clear these changes will significantly harm businesses, employees, and customers.
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