Is Evoke on the Sales Block in the Wake of UK Gambling Tax Hikes?
Posted on: December 10, 2025, 01:50h.
Last updated on: December 10, 2025, 02:13h.
- The William Hill and 888 owner is looking at a potential sale of the company in light of tax increases
- Evoke sees a 10% uptick in its share price after steady declines post the UK budget
- Evoke purchased William Hill’s UK business from Caesars Entertainment in 2022, incurring substantial debt
Is UK-based betting firm Evoke for sale in the wake of the country’s plans to increase taxes on sports betting and online gaming?
The owner of William Hill and 888 is “reviewing strategic options,” including the potential sale of the company in the wake of UK tax hikes on sports betting and online gaming.
On November 26, UK Financial Minister Rachel Reeves announced a tax increase on online games and slots to 40%, up from 21%, effective April 2026, and an increased tax on sports betting from 15% to 25%, effective April 2027.
Tax Increases Coming in 2026
Evoke CEO Per Widerstrom said the day after the tax increase announcement that the company is likely looking at “thousands of jobs to be cut up and down the country.”
Evoke, with online operations covering sports betting, poker, casino games, plus a large UK retail betting presence, is listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company’s core markets are in the UK, Spain, Italy, Romania, and Denmark.
Substantial Debt
Evoke shares, which had been on a steady slide, were up 10% on Wednesday. The company is carrying substantial debt, compared to competitors like Entain and Flutter. Evoke has also announced that it’s withdrawing its medium-term targets as it reassesses its investment strategies.
Flutter Entertainment issued a statement in response to the UK government’s tax increase announcement, saying they’re in a better position to navigate through the financial hit than is Evoke. The same is true of Entain, whose CEO Stella David said is “well positioned” to deliver sustainable growth.
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