Evoke reported £406 million in revenue for the three months to 30 September, down 7% year on year. Its UK retail estate shrank by about 270 shops. The owner of William Hill and 888 said revenue fell 2% on a like-for-like, constant-currency basis that excludes the effect of those closures.

The trading update, published on 23 October 2026, said favourable results for customers early in the football season trimmed revenue growth by about 1 to 2 percentage points. After adjusting for that effect, revenue was broadly stable, Evoke said. iGaming Business reported the update.

Why the figures differ

The 7% fall is the reported group result; the 2% figure adjusts for currency and the smaller shop estate. Evoke also said revenue was broadly stable after a further adjustment for sports results.

  • Reported revenue: £406 million, down 7% year on year.
  • Like-for-like, constant-currency revenue: down 2%, excluding shop closures and currency changes.
  • After the sports-results adjustment: revenue was broadly stable.

The adjusted figures help show how revenue changed across the remaining operation. They do not mean the closures had no effect on the business.

Tax, shops and jobs

Chief executive Per Widerström linked the 270 closures to higher industry taxation and urged the UK Government to consider the impact of further increases. That is the company’s explanation. The update did not give a count of jobs lost through the closures.

The tax changes Evoke discussed have different start dates:

  • A higher duty on remote gaming took effect on 1 April 2026.
  • A separate increase in remote betting duty is due to take effect on 1 April 2027.

These are duties on remote gambling, not increases to the duty on bets placed in shops.

Takeover still awaits final steps

Evoke said its proposed acquisition by Bally’s Intralot remained on track, with completion expected in late fourth quarter 2026 or early first quarter 2027. Shareholders in both companies have approved the required resolutions, and most regulatory approvals have been received. The deal remains subject to outstanding conditions.

The next major marker is whether the acquisition completes within the expected window, as Evoke faces lower reported revenue and a smaller shop estate.