William Hill Announces Urgent Closure in 13 Markets Worldwide

BREAKING NEWS: William Hill, the renowned betting giant owned by evoke PLC, has just announced its withdrawal from 13 global markets, effective December 2, 2025. This significant shift comes amid expanding regulatory pressures and follows recent closures by competitors, including Paddy Power, which shuttered 57 high-street shops in the UK and Ireland last month.

The affected countries include Angola, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Vietnam. This mass exit signals a troubling trend for legacy sportsbooks, illustrating their struggle to adapt to an increasingly digital landscape.

In a notification buried within its Terms and Conditions, William Hill reassured customers that their funds remain secure, stating, “Your balance is safe with us.” Users in the impacted regions will have until January 5, 2026, to access their accounts and withdraw any remaining funds. All open bets will be settled by the closure date, with any bets due post-closure being voided and refunded.

As the UK government prepares for a pivotal budget announcement in November, speculation mounts regarding potential 50% tax increases on betting operators. This looming change could have far-reaching consequences, leading to more closures and job losses in the sector. William Hill has already indicated plans to close 1 in 10 of its brick-and-mortar stores in the UK, risking 1,500 jobs across the nation.

Industry experts are closely monitoring these developments, as the pressure mounts on traditional betting firms to innovate or face further declines. The shift in consumer behavior towards digital platforms has left many legacy brands struggling to keep pace.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the full impact of these closures becomes clear. This is a critical moment for the future of betting in the global market.