William Hill owner Evoke reports third quarter revenue of £435 million as betting shops return to growth

William Hill owner Evoke has revealed a five per cent increase in revenue to £435 million in the third quarter, boosted by a return to growth in its betting shop estate.

In what was described by one analyst as a "mixed update" on Tuesday morning, Evoke said its betting shops achieved a six per cent growth in revenue to £121.7m during the quarter with both gaming, thanks to the rollout of new cabinets during the year, and sports contributing to the rise.

The company, which also runs the 888 and Mr Green brands, warned recently that it was considering a reduction in betting office numbers following reports it might close up to 200 shops due to the threat of increased taxes in the forthcoming budget.

Evoke's online division in the UK and Ireland grew revenue by just one per cent to £163.3m, with an eight per cent growth in betting offset by a two per cent fall in gaming.

The company said 888's performance continued to be a drag on growth as it reduced marketing.

Revenues in the company's international division grew eight per cent to £150.4m, driven by double-digit growth in Italy, Denmark and Romania.

Evoke chief executive Per WiderstromCredit: 888 Holdings

Chief executive Per Widerstrom said: "During Q3 we continued to execute against our strategy which is transforming our long-term competitive capabilities and building a more efficient and profitable business.

"With retail continuing the improving trend from Q2, all three divisions were in growth during the quarter. Whilst our refined approach to UK online marketing to drive improved profitability slightly held back our top-line performance, we are pleased to have recorded our fifth consecutive quarter of profitable growth."

Evoke Q3 key takeaways

• Third quarter group revenue up five per cent to £435 million
• Retail estate returns to growth with a six per cent increase in revenues to £121.7m
• Analysts describe the update as "mixed", with revenue growth not meeting expectations

Widerstrom said the company had "clear plans" in place to support an improvement in revenue during the fourth quarter, including product enhancements, and that Evoke was confident of achieving previous earnings guidance "which would outperform market expectations".

He added: "We continue to execute our turnaround with vigour and are making good progress against our plans to position Evoke for long-term success and significant value creation."

Evoke's share price closed up 2.16 per cent at 42.50p on Tuesday.

David Brohan, gaming and leisure analyst at stockbrokers Goodbody, said: "Overall, this is a somewhat mixed update from Evoke. While revenue growth was slightly below expectations, there were positive areas including UK and Ireland betting, retail, and core international markets." 

Read these next:

Why William Hill could close up to 200 betting shops - and how fear of gambling tax rises is a driving factor 

Evoke financial chief warns against dangers of tax harmonisation after reporting improved results for first six months of 2025 

William Hill owner Evoke showing green shoots of recovery after slow start to 2025 

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