Full Breakdown
Bet365 to Cut 340 Jobs Amid Rising UK Gambling Taxes
9/9/2026, 3:45:49 PM
Core Event: 340 Roles Slashed Across Europe
Bet365 announced that it will eliminate approximately 340 positions – about 3 percent of its roughly 10,000-person global workforce. Roughly 300 of the roles are located at the company’s headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, where the firm employs around 5,500 staff, while the remaining 40 are split between its offices in Malta and Gibraltar. The cuts are being implemented through a voluntary redundancy programme that will run before any compulsory exits are considered.
Background & Context: Tax and Regulatory Pressure on UK Gambling
The restructuring follows a sharp rise in UK gambling levies. Earlier this year the government increased the Remote Gaming Duty on online betting from 21 percent to 40 percent of gross gaming revenue, a change introduced after last year’s budget. A further increase to the Remote Betting Duty – from 15 percent to 25 percent – is slated to take effect next year, with a carve-out for horse-racing bets. Industry analysts note that these higher taxes, combined with a highly competitive trading environment, have already prompted several operators to close retail outlets and cut jobs.
Data & Statistics
- 340 jobs to be cut (? 3 % of total staff)
- 300 positions in Stoke-on-Trent; 40 in Malta and Gibraltar
- 5,500 employees at the Stoke-on-Trent headquarters (? 55 % of UK staff)
- 10,000 employees worldwide
- Betting and Gaming Council estimates that more than 600 betting shops will have closed by the end of 2026, resulting in roughly 5,000 job losses across the sector.
Official Statements & Responses
The announcement arrives as the UK Gambling Commission undergoes leadership change, with Ruth Evans confirmed as its new chair, and as the regulator tightens affordability and safer-gambling requirements, adding further compliance costs for operators.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As an international business, we continually review and assess our operations to ensure the business's long-term future. We're currently facing a highly competitive trading environment, plus increased regulatory and tax-related costs.” — bet365 spokesperson
- “As an international business, we continually review and assess our operations to ensure the business' long-term future.” — bet365 spokesperson
What Happens Next
The voluntary redundancy programme will be offered first, and bet365 has indicated a desire to keep the final headcount below the announced 340 figure. Consultation with affected staff is underway at all three sites. Analysts note that a second wave of reductions could occur after the Remote Betting Duty increase takes effect next year, potentially impacting the Stoke-on-Trent labour market, which has few comparable large-scale private-sector employers. The company has not confirmed any further cuts beyond the current programme.
