William Hill Shuts Down 13 Global Markets Amid Regulatory Shift

BREAKING: William Hill, the renowned betting giant owned by evoke PLC, has just announced the closure of 13 global markets as part of a significant strategic shift. This decision comes in the wake of tightening regulations and follows similar actions by other major operators, including Paddy Power, which recently shuttered 57 high-street shops across the UK and Ireland.

The affected nations include Angola, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Vietnam. In an official statement, the company confirmed that it will cease operations in these locations starting December 2, 2025.

Customers in the impacted markets have been assured that “Your balance is safe with us.” Until January 5, 2026, users will still be able to access their accounts to withdraw funds. After this date, login details will become inactive. The firm stated that all open bets will be settled up until the closure date, with any bets due after that being voided and refunded.

This drastic move highlights the ongoing struggle of legacy sportsbooks to adapt to the rapidly changing industry landscape. Critics have pointed out that traditional betting brands are failing to keep pace with digital competitors who are better aligned with the needs of modern consumers.

As the UK government prepares for a November budget that could impose a 50% increase in existing levies, other betting operators may also face pressure to cut costs. This looming financial burden is likely to have a ripple effect across the industry, further affecting brands like evoke and their global holdings.

In addition, William Hill has been reassessing its physical presence in the UK, where it plans to close 1 in 10 of its stores, jeopardizing approximately 1,500 jobs and leading to the permanent closure of over 120 locations.

The swift closure of markets and stores underscores the urgent need for adaptability in the betting industry as regulatory environments evolve. Stakeholders are watching closely to see how these changes will unfold and what new strategies companies will implement in response.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the effects of these closures continue to unfold across the global betting landscape.