William Hill Shuts Down 13 Global Markets Amid Regulatory Changes

URGENT UPDATE: William Hill, the renowned betting giant owned by evoke PLC, has just announced the closure of 13 global markets effective December 2, 2025. This significant move signals a dramatic shift in the gambling landscape as the company grapples with impending regulatory changes.

The affected nations include Angola, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Vietnam. This decision comes on the heels of Paddy Power‘s recent announcement to close 57 high-street shops across the UK and Ireland, highlighting the challenging environment for traditional sportsbooks.

In a statement posted on its Terms and Conditions page, William Hill reassured customers that “Your balance is safe with us.” Users in the affected markets will still be able to log into their accounts until January 5, 2026, to withdraw funds. However, after this date, login details will be disabled. Open bets will be settled until the closure date, with any bets due after that time rendered void and refunded.

As the UK gears up for a pivotal budget announcement, with Rachel Reeves, the current Chancellor, hinting at a potential 50% increase in existing betting levies, operators like William Hill are bracing for tighter regulations. This impending financial strain could lead to further consolidations within the industry.

The decision to withdraw from these markets is a clear indication that legacy sportsbooks are struggling to adapt to the rising demand for digital platforms. Analysts note that William Hill’s closure of these markets reflects a broader trend among traditional betting firms failing to keep pace with newer, digitally-focused competitors like @reloadergg.

In the UK alone, William Hill is facing a critical moment, having already announced plans to close 1 in 10 of its stores, putting approximately 1,500 jobs at risk. The ramifications of these closures are profound, not only affecting the workforce but also altering the betting landscape significantly.

As the situation develops, industry observers will be closely monitoring how these changes affect both customers and the market as a whole. For those in the affected regions, the time frame for account withdrawals is critical. Stakeholders are urged to act swiftly to secure their funds before the impending deadlines.

Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story unfolds.