- Evoke, the company owning betting giants William Hill and 888, is in discussions regarding a potential takeover by lottery and gaming firm Bally’s Intralot.
- The proposed deal values the UK betting group at £225.3 million, with Bally’s Intralot offering 50p per share.
- Bally’s Intralot has committed to tabling a firm offer or withdrawing its interest by 5pm on 18 May.
- Evoke initiated a strategic review last year, effectively putting itself up for sale, as it grapples with escalating debts and increased costs from recent betting tax hikes.
- The company faces significant duty cost increases, including a rise in remote gaming duty to 40 per cent and a new 25 per cent online sports betting duty from 2027, leading to planned shop closures and cost-cutting measures.
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