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200 Betting Shops Face Closure Amid Tax Hike Concerns

10/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Evoke, behind William Hill, may close 200 betting shops if the autumn budget raises gambling taxes.
This follows a £2bn 2022 acquisition that left Evoke with £1.8bn debt and a pre-tax loss of nearly £78m.
The closures could affect 1,500 jobs as the company weighs tax scenarios.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the industry could generate £3bn in taxes and the government is consulting to simplify gambling taxation.

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Story summary

Evoke, behind William Hill, may close 200 betting shops if the autumn budget raises gambling taxes.
This follows a £2bn 2022 acquisition that left Evoke with £1.8bn debt and a pre-tax loss of nearly £78m.
The closures could affect 1,500 jobs as the company weighs tax scenarios.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the industry could generate £3bn in taxes and the government is consulting to simplify gambling taxation.