William Hill Announces Immediate Withdrawal from 13 Global Markets

UPDATE: William Hill, the prominent betting operator owned by evoke PLC, has confirmed its decision to withdraw from 13 global markets effective December 2, 2025. This significant move signals a dramatic shift in the gambling landscape as regulatory changes loom.

The affected countries include Angola, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Vietnam. The announcement was buried within the operator’s Terms and Conditions page, indicating a strategic retreat from these markets.

This closure comes on the heels of Paddy Power‘s earlier announcement to shut down 57 high-street shops across the UK and Ireland, further highlighting the challenges traditional sportsbooks face in adapting to a rapidly changing digital environment.

William Hill’s latest statement reassured customers, declaring, “Your balance is safe with us.” Users in the departing regions will have until January 5, 2026 to log into their accounts to withdraw funds. After this date, their login details will become inactive. Open bets placed before the closure will be settled by December 2, 2025, with any future bets voided and refunded.

This withdrawal reflects broader industry pressures, particularly as the UK government prepares for a potentially detrimental budget announcement this November. Reports suggest that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, may propose a staggering 50% increase in existing betting levies, which could further strain operators like William Hill and challenge their international operations.

As William Hill reassesses its physical footprint, the brand has also revealed plans to reduce its store count in the UK by 10%, putting approximately 1,500 jobs at risk. This decision underscores the urgent need for adaptation in an industry facing significant regulatory and economic pressures.

With the landscape shifting rapidly, industry observers are closely watching how these moves will impact the future of sports betting worldwide. William Hill and its competitors must navigate these turbulent waters as they seek to remain relevant in a market increasingly dominated by digital-first platforms.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The implications of these closures are vast, affecting not just markets but also the livelihoods of employees and customers alike in the betting community.