Evoke issues warning against further taxes after revenue decline
William Hill owner Evoke has reported a 7% decline in quarterly revenue after closing approximately 270 betting shops over the past year, with the gambling group warning against further UK tax increases.
The company generated £406 million in revenue during the three months ending September 30, according to a trading update released on October 23.
On a like-for-like basis, excluding the impact of shop closures and currency movements, revenue declined 2%.
Evoke also reported that favourable results for sports bettors at the beginning of the football season reduced revenue growth by approximately one to two percentage points.
Chief Executive Per Widerström attributed the restructuring to the financial pressure created by increased gambling taxation.
“The closure of 270 shops over the past year shows the real impact on jobs and livelihoods from higher industry taxation,” Widerström said.
The company urged the UK government to reconsider any additional gambling tax increases ahead of its forthcoming Autumn Budget.
Britain increased Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% in April 2026, while a higher remote betting tax rate is scheduled to take effect in April 2027.
Although duties on retail betting and gaming machines were not increased in the same package, Evoke has reduced its betting shop network as part of wider measures to offset higher online taxation.
The company operates William Hill, 888 and Mr Green, giving it substantial exposure to the British online and retail gambling markets.
Evoke also confirmed that its proposed acquisition by Bally’s Intralot remains on schedule.
Shareholders of both companies have approved the transaction, while most required regulatory approvals have been received, with completion expected in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to outstanding conditions.
