William Hill: major UK gambling firm closing 200 betting shops across the country from May 2026
William Hill will close approximately 200 UK betting shops starting in May 2026 due to rising costs and declining foot traffic.Summary
William Hill, a major UK gambling firm, plans to close around 200 of its 1,300 betting shops across the country, beginning in May 2026. This decision, made by its parent company Evoke, is attributed to increasing operating costs, recent tax increases, and a decrease in customer footfall. Evoke stated that the closures are necessary to focus investment on more sustainable locations and will provide support to affected staff. The move reflects broader challenges within the retail betting sector, where companies like Ladbrokes and Paddy Power have also closed shops in recent years, while others like BoyleSports have expanded. The closures come during a period of strategic review for Evoke, which may include a potential sale of the business.
(Source：Yorkshire Post)