William Hill Owner Considers Closing Up to 200 Betting Shops Amid Financial Struggles
Financial Pressures Force Difficult Decisions
Evoke Plc, owner of Britain's iconic William Hill betting brand, is preparing to close up to 200 high street shops across the UK in a sweeping restructuring effort. Internal documents reveal the potential closures could eliminate approximately 1,500 jobs, dealing another blow to Britain's struggling retail sector.
Why Now?
The looming closures come as the gambling operator faces a perfect storm of challenges:
- £1.6 billion net debt burden
- Share price decline of 15% this year alone
- Potential new gambling taxes expected in the Autumn Statement
- Changing consumer habits favoring mobile betting
Industry analysts note this represents about 15% of William Hill's 1,300-store estate, disproportionately affecting smaller towns where betting shops remain important community employers.
Workers Face Uncertain Future
The potential shop closures would primarily affect retail staff - many of whom have served customers for decades. Mike Rogers (name changed), a betting shop manager for 12 years, shared his anxiety: "We're like family here. My regulars trusted us when they placed their Saturday bets. Now we're all wondering - will our shop make the cut?"
Regulatory Domino Effect
Insiders warn this could signal broader industry contraction. Chris Wilkins, betting shop owner in Manchester, observed: "If this leaked plan reflects what's coming industry-wide, we could see 1,000 UK betting shops shutting within two years - that's 10,000 livelihoods at risk."
The potential Chancellor's expected corporate gambling tax increase appears to be accelerating already difficult decisions for operators balancing physical and digital operations. Meanwhile, anti-gambling campaigners argue this contraction reflects long-overdue industry corrections.
What Comes Next
Evoke has yet to officially confirm closure plans, stating only that it "continuously reviews its retail portfolio." The company must now:
- Complete a 45-day employee consultation process
- Negotiate commercial terms with landlords
- Address investor concerns about long-term strategy
For communities where betting shops remain social hubs - particularly in economically disadvantaged areas - these closures could leave both economic and social voids yet to be filled. "It's not just about the betting," reflects Rogers. "For some of our older customers, we're the only smiling faces they see all day."