William Hill Closes 200 UK Shops : GamblersPost

William Hill will close 200 betting shops starting May 24, potentially impacting up to 1,500 employees, as the company battles rising tax pressures. The closures represent about 14.3% of its retail network and directly respond to the UK government’s tax hikes introduced in last year’s Autumn Budget.

Evoke, the parent company, justified the decision in a statement: “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.”

“We are offering our full support to our retail colleagues who are affected by these closures. 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 added.

The closures coincide with new UK tax rules taking effect April 1, including a 40% increase in Remote Gaming Duty for online casinos and a 15-25% rise in General Betting Duty for sports betting, set to take effect next April. This move was anticipated by Evoke last October, when it warned tax hikes could force such action.

Evoke is also conducting a strategic review, with reports indicating Bally’s Intralot may acquire most of its assets, potentially involving Betfred in a side deal. The company’s share price has dropped by around 70% since the tax increases were announced, and it faces up to £1.8 billion in debt.

This development follows recent technical issues on William Hill and 888Casino platforms, where players received millions in unintended jackpot winnings. While some funds have been recovered, legal disputes are expected.