Evoke PLC (LSE:EVOK), the owner of the William Hill, 888 and Mr Green brands, has reported a 7% decline in third-quarter revenue to £406 million.
The drop was driven by the closure of around 270 retail shops over the past year, alongside customer-friendly sports results that weighed on gambling income.
On a like-for-like constant currency basis, which strips out the effect of shop closures and currency movements, revenue fell by a more modest 2%.
The three-month period covered the quarter ending 30 September, capturing the early weeks of the football season across major European leagues.
Customer-friendly sports results during that period reduced year-on-year revenue growth by between 1 and 2 percentage points, leaving performance broadly stable on a normalised basis.
Chief executive Per Widerström said the business remained resilient throughout the period despite facing significant external pressures on its cost base.
The company has absorbed substantial increases in gaming duties, particularly in the United Kingdom, which have placed mounting pressure on retail operations and profitability.
Widerström pointed to the closure of 270 shops as direct evidence of the toll higher taxation is taking, warning of its impact on jobs and livelihoods across the sector.
He urged the UK government to carefully consider the consequences of any further tax increases ahead of its forthcoming autumn budget statement.
On the corporate front, Evoke confirmed that its recommended acquisition by Bally’s Intralot remains on track following shareholder approval at both companies.
The required resolutions were passed by shareholders of both Evoke and Bally’s Intralot, clearing a key procedural hurdle in the deal process.
The majority of the necessary regulatory approvals have now been received, giving management greater confidence in the transaction timeline.
Completion of the deal is expected in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to the satisfaction of remaining conditions.
Widerström said the group would remain focused on disciplined execution and operational efficiency as it moves toward finalising the acquisition.
