Gambling giant blames UK tax rises as they close hundreds of stores
The UK gambling industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. In a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves across the high street, a major betting operator has announced the closure of hundreds of retail stores, directly blaming rising UK gambling taxes and mounting financial pressure.
This development is not just another corporate restructuring—it signals a deeper shift in how gambling businesses operate, how government policy impacts industries, and what the future holds for Britain’s already struggling high streets.
Breaking News: Hundreds of Betting Shops to Close
According to a report published by The Independent on 30 April 2026, gambling group Evoke—the parent company of well-known brands like William Hill and 888—has confirmed plans to shut down approximately 270 betting shops across the UK.
The closures are part of a strategic response to increased financial strain, with the company pointing directly to higher gambling taxes introduced by the UK government.
Key facts from the report:
- Around 270 betting shops will close nationwide
- Hundreds of jobs are expected to be affected
- Evoke’s pre-tax losses surged to £549.1 million in 2025
- Rising gambling duties are cited as a primary cause
This marks one of the largest retail contractions in the UK gambling sector in recent years.
Why Are Gambling Companies Closing Stores?
1. Rising UK Gambling Taxes
At the heart of this crisis are sweeping tax reforms introduced in the UK Budget.These include:
- Remote gaming duty rising from 21% to 40%
- Online betting duty increasing from 15% to 25%
- Additional levies expected in coming years
For companies like Evoke, breaking news these changes have fundamentally altered the economics of the business.
Executives have described the new tax regime as a “fundamental shift” that significantly increases operational costs and reduces profitability.
2. Mounting Financial Losses
Evoke’s financial results highlight the severity of the situation:
- Losses more than doubled from £220.9 million to £549.1 million
- A major impairment charge linked to tax increases
- Rising debt levels and operational costs
These figures underline how taxation, combined with existing financial pressures, is pushing even large operators to restructure aggressively.
3. Shift Toward Online Gambling
Another key factor is the ongoing shift from physical betting shops to digital platforms.
Online gambling:
- Requires fewer staff
- Has lower overhead costs
- Offers higher scalability
However, ironically, online gambling is also facing higher taxes, which complicates the transition strategy.
The Wider Industry Impact
The closure of hundreds of betting shops is not an isolated event—it is part of a broader trend affecting the entire gambling industry.
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Major Industry Reactions
- Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, reported a £681 million loss, also blaming tax increases.