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Evoke Warns 40% Duty Could Cost £135M, 200 Stores at Risk

1/28/2026

34 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Evoke warns the November Budget's remote gaming duty rise to 40% could lift annual costs by about £135 million by 2027.
Evoke is the parent company of William Hill and 888.
Evoke is considering closing up to 200 retail locations.
In its trading update, Evoke reported a 4% fall in fourth-quarter revenues and a 22% drop in betting revenues, but it still foresees full-year revenue rising 2% to £1.79 billion.

History

Historical Context

The UK's Gambling Act of 2005 transformed the gambling landscape by regulating online and offline betting, leading to a £6 billion industry by 2010. The act replaced a 6.75% betting duty with a 15% tax on gross profits, reflecting a shift towards comprehensive regulation. Current warnings about a 40% rise in remote gaming duty echo earlier regulatory pressures, highlighting ongoing challenges for companies like William Hill and 888.

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Story summary

Evoke warns the November Budget's remote gaming duty rise to 40% could lift annual costs by about £135 million by 2027.
Evoke is the parent company of William Hill and 888.
Evoke is considering closing up to 200 retail locations.
In its trading update, Evoke reported a 4% fall in fourth-quarter revenues and a 22% drop in betting revenues, but it still foresees full-year revenue rising 2% to £1.79 billion.

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