Evoke, the company that owns William Hill, is deeply analyzing the future of its UK betting shops as the government mulls over an increase in gambling taxes. This strategic review is prompted by the looming autumn budget, scheduled for 26 November, which might see the introduction of elevated duties on betting operators. The outcome could be the closure of anywhere from 120 to 200 William Hill retail outlets, potentially affecting around 1,500 employees across the United Kingdom.
In anticipation of possible tax hikes, Evoke has embarked on a comprehensive examination of its retail operations to gauge the impact of these potential adjustments on its business model. The company has stated that it is evaluating several options, including the challenging possibility of closing some of its high-street betting locations.
Having acquired William Hill for £2 billion in 2022, Evoke, formerly known as 888 Holdings, is now responsible for 1,300 retail betting shops. The group’s portfolio also includes prominent brands like 888 and Mr Green, and it employs approximately 10,000 individuals globally. Despite efforts to bolster its digital presence—such as the launch of an enhanced William Hill Vegas app—Evoke is grappling with financial hurdles. The company is burdened with £1.8 billion in debt following the acquisition and reported a pre-tax loss close to £78 million for the first half of 2025.
The apprehension surrounding potential shop closures echoes broader concerns within the UK gambling industry about the ramifications of increased taxes. Entain, the firm behind Ladbrokes and Coral, has similarly cautioned that heightened taxes could lead to store shutdowns and diminished domestic investment.
The Treasury has clarified that its ongoing consultation aims to streamline the betting tax system by aligning online betting taxes with those applied to other forms of online gambling. It insists that the review is not specifically targeted at increasing overall tax rates.
While no definitive decision has been made by Evoke, the outcome of next month’s budget could significantly influence the fate of William Hill’s betting shops nationwide.
A voice from within the industry noted a sense of unease: It feels like the rug could be pulled out from under us at any moment, they mused, stressing the precarious position operators find themselves in.
Despite the potential tax changes, some industry experts argue that the closures might also be spurred by a broader shift in consumer behavior. With more bettors moving online, the reliance on physical betting shops has been waning. This trend poses a longer-term challenge for traditional retail operations, suggesting that even without tax increases, some downsizing might have been inevitable.
From another perspective, proponents of the tax increase argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that companies contribute fairly to public funds, given the substantial profits generated by the gambling industry. They argue that the government’s responsibility to generate revenue for public services must be balanced with the interests of commercial enterprises.
The unfolding situation highlights a critical juncture for Evoke and the wider gambling sector. The upcoming budget could reshape the landscape for betting operators, forcing them to adapt swiftly to the new fiscal environment.
As industry stakeholders await the Chancellor’s announcement, discussions continue about the best path forward. The future of brick-and-mortar betting shops hangs in the balance, with the possibility that some will emerge stronger and more agile after weathering these challenges. Meanwhile, policymakers face the difficult task of balancing economic growth with social responsibility, a task that becomes increasingly complex in a rapidly changing digital world.
In the meantime, the employees of William Hill, along with many in the sector, face an uncertain future. For them, the looming decisions by Evoke and the government could profoundly affect their livelihoods. As one observer put it, there’s a feeling of holding one’s breath as the next steps are awaited, underscoring the anxiety prevalent throughout the industry.
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