In a significant development that could reshape Britain's high street betting landscape, Evoke plc is preparing contingency plans that may see up to 200 William Hill betting shops shuttered across the UK.
Tax Hike Fears Trigger Potential Mass Closures
Evoke plc, the parent company controlling William Hill, 888, and Mr Green brands, is reportedly evaluating the closure of between 120 and 200 retail betting outlets from its 1,300-shop portfolio. The potential shutdowns, representing up to 15% of the company's physical presence, could put approximately 1,500 jobs at risk across Britain.
According to industry sources, these preparations come as Chancellor Rachel Reeves finalizes her November 26 budget, which many expect will include substantial increases in gambling taxation. The Sunday Times first reported these developments, highlighting how the company is strategically positioning itself ahead of potential fiscal changes.
"We're assessing various tax scenarios and their potential impact on our UK operations," an Evoke spokesperson confirmed. "This includes the difficult but necessary consideration of shop closures, though no final decisions have been made."
Financial Pressures Mount for Gambling Giant
The potential restructuring occurs against a backdrop of significant financial strain for the London-listed gambling operator. Evoke currently shoulders approximately £1.8 billion in debt, with much of this burden stemming from its £2 billion acquisition of William Hill in 2022.
Despite reporting modest performance improvements during 2025's first half, the company's retail revenue declined by 2% year-over-year. More concerning for investors, Evoke's share price has experienced a dramatic decline, falling from a peak of 71.45p in early 2024 to below 46p by last week's close.
Sean Wilkins, Evoke's Chief Financial Officer, previously described the gambling sector as "a reasonably easy target" for governments seeking revenue. However, he cautioned that a balanced approach was essential to prevent driving customers toward unregulated platforms—a scenario that would ultimately reduce tax revenue and weaken consumer protections.
"Polluter Pays" Model Gains Political Momentum
The anticipated tax increases align with growing political support for a "polluter pays" approach to gambling taxation. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and over 100 Labour MPs have reportedly endorsed such measures to help address the Treasury's £30 billion fiscal gap.
Industry analysts suggest the government may be considering harmonizing betting duties or implementing a comprehensive overhaul of gambling taxation structures. Either approach could significantly impact operators' profitability in the UK market.
Racing Industry Faces Collateral Damage
Beyond direct business implications, the proposed tax changes threaten Britain's horse racing industry, which relies heavily on bookmakers' media rights payments and levy contributions. Financial analysis from Regulus Partners estimates that licensed betting offices currently contribute approximately £140 million annually to racing.
Modeling commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority paints a concerning picture: if betting duties were harmonized at 21%, racing could lose up to £66 million yearly. Should tax rates reach 40% on general and remote gaming duties, those losses could escalate to a staggering £160 million annually.
Evoke isn't alone in its concerns. Stella David, CEO of rival operator Entain (owner of Ladbrokes and Coral), has similarly warned that her company might need to evaluate shop closures if significant tax increases materialize.
Government Defends Consultation Process
Despite industry concerns, Treasury officials maintain that their current consultation process isn't designed to increase overall taxation. A government spokesperson stated: "We are consulting on bringing online betting in line with other forms of online gambling to reduce bureaucracy. This isn't about increasing or decreasing tax rates."
Nevertheless, skepticism remains widespread throughout the betting and racing sectors. Many industry veterans warn that even modest rate adjustments could trigger a wave of high street closures, fundamentally altering the UK's retail gambling landscape.
For Evoke, the November Budget will likely determine whether hundreds of William Hill's iconic blue shopfronts permanently disappear from Britain's high streets—and with them, thousands of jobs across the country.
