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bet365 plans to cut around 340 jobs across Stoke-on-Trent, Malta and Gibraltar as higher UK gambling taxes, regulatory costs and tougher competition add pressure to its European operations.
Around 300 roles are expected to go at the bet365 headquarters in Stoke, where about 5,500 people work. Another 40 positions will be affected across Malta and Gibraltar. The total reduction represents roughly 3% of the global workforce.
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bet365 said it regularly reviews operations and now faces a combination of regulatory expenses, tax increases and a highly competitive market.
A bet365 spokesperson said:
“As an international business, we continually review and assess our operations to ensure the business’ long-term future.
“We are currently facing a highly competitive trading environment, plus increased regulatory and tax-related costs.”
The company plans to start with voluntary redundancies in an effort to limit compulsory job losses.
“Our colleagues are our priority. We understand the concerns many will have. Impacted staff have been informed and are being fully supported throughout this process.”
UK online casino operators now pay Remote Gaming Duty of 40%, up from 21% before April 2026. A separate 25% rate for most remote sports betting will replace the current 15% rate from April 2027. UK horse racing bets will remain at 15%.
The Treasury estimated the gambling duty package could raise around £810 million in 2026 to 2027, rising above £1 billion annually in later years.
bet365 joins several major operators reducing UK costs.
The Betting and Gaming Council said more than 540 betting shops had closed since the 2025 Budget, while around 4,500 jobs disappeared across the sector. Since 2019, around 3,000 betting shops and more than 15,000 jobs have gone.
Betfred announced plans in July to close 132 shops with around 600 jobs affected, while William Hill operator Evoke has also reduced its retail estate.
BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst said:
“The sector repeatedly warned that higher taxes would lead to job losses, less investment and damage to successful British businesses, and sadly that is exactly what we are now seeing.”
The Stoke reductions carry added local weight because bet365 ranks among the largest private employers in the city.
At the same time, bet365 continues to grow outside Britain. The operator recently launched sportsbooks in West Virginia and Washington D.C., extending its presence in the US while reducing staffing across several European offices.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has separately proposed giving councils greater powers over betting shops and other businesses on local high streets. The policy debate comes before the first Budget under Finance Minister John Healey, scheduled for October 28.