Evoke plans to close William Hill, MRG and 888 operations in 13 territories from 2 December. The exits cover nine African countries, Vietnam, Bolivia and Nicaragua; Evoke said its 888Africa operations will not be affected.
The withdrawals change the markets in which operators and customers can access Evoke’s William Hill, MRG and 888 brands.
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Evoke told staff it plans to close approximately 200 UK retail shops from May, the company said. The closures represent roughly 15% of its retail estate and form part of a strategic review that may include asset disposals. Evoke cited cost pressures, including tax increases announced in the government’s autumn budget.
Sportradar launched Playradar, a division developing cross-vertical gaming products for betting and gaming operators, a press report said. The division includes a 24/7 experience centre, hybrid sports and casino content, and a premium iGaming content unit; Sportradar said it builds on tests in Brazil in the previous year.
William Hill has launched pre-configured, form-based horse-racing bet builders for UK and Irish customers ahead of the Cheltenham Festival. The selections use predefined logic and historical performance data, and are available within the operator’s racing product.
Evoke has confirmed it will close William Hill retail shops that are structurally loss-making in the UK, the company said. It did not give a closure count and linked its cost-saving measures to recent UK gambling tax increases. Evoke is also reviewing strategic options and said it would not provide a 2026 financial outlook while that process continues.
Evoke said it has begun a review of strategic options, including a possible sale of the group, assets or business units, or a split. The company appointed Morgan Stanley and Rothschild as joint financial advisers. The review follows a period of financial pressure and UK tax changes, while Evoke has also announced plans to close 200 William Hill betting shops.