Betfred to close 132 UK betting shops, cut 600 jobs

Betfred, one of the UK's largest bookmakers, announced plans on July 31, 2026, to close 132 of its betting shops, resulting in the loss of more than 600 jobs. The company said it has begun a consultation process with affected staff, with closures expected to begin in September.

Chief Executive Jo Whittaker stated the decision was made with deep regret, attributing it to a combination of rising costs and regulatory pressures. She cited higher employer National Insurance contributions, wage inflation, and significant increases in gambling taxes as primary factors, alongside wider economic uncertainty. Whittaker emphasized that the shops under threat are well-run and staffed by dedicated colleagues, but described the current fiscal and regulatory environment as making it impossible to keep all locations open. The company's priority, she said, is to support affected employees while continuing to serve customers from its remaining estate of approximately 1,100 shops.

The closures represent just over ten percent of Betfred's total UK estate and follow a warning from co-founder Fred Done last November that rising taxes could threaten all of the company's shops. The move is part of a...