Evoke Closes 270 Shops and Quiz Clothing Enters Administration

The United Kingdom retail and gaming sectors are facing significant contractions as Evoke, the parent company of William Hill and 888, announced the closure of approximately 270 betting shops. The move follows a strategic review and a sharp increase in pre-tax losses, which rose from £220.9 million in 2024 to £549.1 million in 2025. Evoke attributes the decline to tax hikes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the 2025 autumn budget, specifically the increase of remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%. The closures put hundreds of jobs at risk as the company seeks to mitigate these costs. Simultaneously, Evoke is in takeover negotiations with Bally’s Intralot for a deal valued at £225.3 million.

In a separate retail failure, fashion brand Quiz Clothing entered administration in February 2026 with debts exceeding £40 million. The group, comprising Orion Retail Limited, Tarak International Limited, and Zandra Systems Limited, has already cut 109 jobs at its Glasgow head office and Bellshill distribution center. Administrators at Interpath have reported that no offers have been received for the business on a going concern basis. All 40 UK stores and seven Irish concessions remain at risk of closure, with a final decision on a rescue package expected by mid-May 2026.