William Hill to shut 700 betting shops

William Hill has outlined plans to close around 700 betting shops in the UK, citing new rules for fixed-odds betting terminals. The company said that, subject to the consultation’s outcome, the closures are likely to begin before the end of the year. New regulations to reduce the maximum stake on fixed-odds machines from £100 to £2 came into effect on 1 April. William Hill said that there has since been a “significant fall” in revenues. The closures have put 4,500 jobs at risk.  To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette