Betting giant to shut hundreds of high street shops as tax pressure bites – NATIONAL NEWS
One of Britain’s best known bookmakers is preparing to close hundreds of betting shops in a move that threatens jobs and raises fresh concerns about the future of the high street.
The parent company of William Hill has confirmed plans to shut around 270 outlets across the UK following a strategic review of its retail estate.
The decision by owner Evoke plc comes amid mounting financial pressure on the gambling sector, with executives pointing to rising costs and increased taxation as key factors behind the closures.
Jobs at risk as shops deemed “unsustainable”
While the company has yet to confirm how many roles could be affected, hundreds of jobs are expected to be at risk as loss making locations are shut down.
The move follows earlier indications that a large number of shops could close, underlining the scale of the challenge facing traditional bookmakers.
Industry insiders say declining footfall on Britain’s high streets, combined with tighter regulation and higher operating costs, has made some branches no longer viable.
Tax hikes blamed for industry strain
At the centre of the issue are sweeping changes to gambling taxes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Recent measures have increased duties on online gaming and betting, adding to the financial burden on major operators.
Executives across the sector have warned that the tax rises could have unintended consequences, including forcing businesses to cut jobs, shut shops and reduce investment in the UK.
Some have also cautioned that tougher regulation risks pushing gamblers towards unregulated or illegal platforms, potentially reducing tax revenues in the long run.
Blow to Britain’s struggling high streets
The closures are likely to fuel wider concerns about the decline of the high street, with betting shops already among thousands of retail outlets to disappear in recent years.
Critics argue that further losses could weaken local economies, particularly in towns where bookmakers provide employment and footfall for nearby businesses.
However, others maintain that stricter controls on gambling are necessary to tackle addiction and protect vulnerable customers, even if it means a smaller retail presence.
A changing industry
Founded in 1934, William Hill has long been a fixture of British high streets, operating hundreds of betting shops alongside a growing online business.
But the latest round of closures highlights a broader shift within the gambling industry, as companies increasingly focus on digital platforms while scaling back physical operations.
With further regulatory changes under discussion, analysts warn that more closures could follow, raising questions about whether the traditional betting shop model can survive in its current form.
The Treasury has been approached for comment.
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