Betfred to Close 132 UK Shops and Cut 600 Jobs

Betfred announced plans to close 132 betting shops across the United Kingdom and cut more than 600 jobs beginning in September. The closures represent just over 10% of the company's total estate, leaving approximately 1,100 shops operational. The company has entered a consultation period with affected employees.

Chief Executive Jo Whittaker attributed the decision to a combination of wage inflation, increased gambling taxes, higher employer national insurance contributions, and general economic uncertainty. The company's financial pressure follows tax increases implemented by the previous chancellor, which included raising the remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%.

This downsizing reflects a broader industry trend driven by budget changes. Rival firms have taken similar actions over the past year: Evoke closed approximately 270 shops in April, and Paddy Power announced in October 2025 that it would shut 57 locations across the UK and Ireland, affecting nearly 250 workers.