Betfred has announced plans to close 132 betting shops across the United Kingdom, a move that is expected to result in approximately 600 job losses as the bookmaker responds to rising operating costs and increased taxation on the gambling sector.
The company confirmed that it has begun a consultation process with employees affected by the proposed closures. The sites earmarked for closure account for just over 10% of Betfred’s retail network, making it one of the largest reductions to the operator’s high street presence in recent years.
Once the changes take effect, Betfred will retain roughly 1,100 betting shops across the country. The company’s UK retail estate previously peaked at 1,680 locations in 2017. Following the closures, the bookmaker will operate 1,094 shops and employ around 6,800 people in the UK.
The announcement places Betfred alongside several major gambling operators that have recently reduced their retail footprints as the industry faces a more challenging financial environment.
Company Points to Rising Costs and Tax Changes
Betfred executives said a combination of tax increases, higher employment costs and broader economic conditions influenced the decision.
In a statement cited by Sky News, chief executive Jo Whittaker said: “It is with deep regret that we have today started a consultation with colleagues working in more than 130 of our shops regarding a proposal to close those locations. We have tried hard to protect all our sites and the colleagues who work in them, but the combined impact of higher employer National Insurance contributions, wage inflation, increases in gambling taxes and wider economic uncertainty has left us with no choice.”
Addressing the impact on workers and customers, she stated: “Our priority now is to support the colleagues affected, and to continue serving customers and communities across the rest of our estate.”
The closure program follows changes to gambling taxation introduced after last year’s budget measures. Industry participants have highlighted the impact of a higher tax burden, particularly on operators with large retail networks.
From 1 April 2026, remote gaming duty increased from 21% to 40%. Additional tax changes are also scheduled, including a new 25% general betting duty rate due to take effect next year. The new rate will exclude self-service betting terminals, spread betting, pool betting and horse racing. Separate reports also noted the introduction of a 25% online sports betting duty from 2027 covering sports other than horse racing.
Wider Industry Faces Similar Retail Challenges
Betfred is not alone in reducing its physical presence. Several competitors have taken similar steps over the past year as operating costs have increased.
Earlier this month, Entain reduced its workforce by approximately 500 employees, representing around 2% of its total staff base. The company had previously warned that higher taxes could affect investment decisions and potentially lead to shop closures across its estate of roughly 2,300 betting outlets.
Evoke, the owner of William Hill and 888, has also closed betting shops. In January, the company said it had acted quickly to offset the impact of budget-related tax changes through cost reductions and store closures.
Flutter Entertainment-owned Paddy Power has likewise trimmed its retail network. In October last year, the operator announced plans to close 57 betting shops across the UK and Ireland, placing around 250 jobs at risk.
Industry executives have continued to voice concerns about the cumulative effect of taxation and regulatory measures. Some operators have also criticized affordability checks introduced by the Gambling Commission, arguing that such policies could affect betting activity and have consequences for related sectors, including horse racing.
Retail Closures Add to Industry Concerns
The latest announcement follows warnings made by Betfred co-founder and chairman Fred Done in late 2025. At the time, he suggested that continued increases in gambling taxes could ultimately threaten the viability of the company’s entire UK shop network.
Founded in Warrington in 1967 by brothers Fred and Peter Done, Betfred has grown into one of Britain’s largest bookmakers. According to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, the brothers have an estimated combined wealth of £3.61 billion.