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Flutter Entertainment has begun a review that could see up to 100 Paddy Power betting shops shut their doors, putting around 400 jobs at risk. The move could reduce its retail estate by nearly a fifth.
The company stressed that its retail estate remains central to its business, but admitted that tougher trading conditions and higher gambling taxes in the UK have forced it to consider closures.
“We are incredibly proud of our high street estate, and it remains a key part of our business in communities across the UK and Ireland,” a Flutter UK and Ireland spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, we have had to take the extremely difficult decision to conduct this review.”
The review comes at a time when Britain’s retail betting sector is already under strain. Earlier this year, Evoke announced the closure of 230 William Hill shops, while Betfred revealed plans to shut 132 outlets.
“Our immediate priority at this time is to support those colleagues affected by this announcement,” Flutter added.
BGC warns of risk to horse racing industry
The news of possible Paddy Power betting shop closures comes as the Betting and Gaming Council raise concerns that the financial link between horse racing and retail bookmakers is weakening, warning that the sport could face serious consequences if shop closures continue.
BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst, writing with Arena Racing Company CEO Martin Cruddace, pointed out that betting shop numbers have dropped sharply since 2019, with more than 3,000 outlets shut and over 15,000 jobs lost.
“Every closed shop means a little less prize money, a little less investment in the sport and, ultimately, greater difficulty in exporting one of Britain’s great sporting products and attracting international investment,” they wrote.
Hurst also highlighted the impact of financial risk checks, noting that racing bettors are particularly exposed because betting activity spikes around major meetings.
The BGC estimates that the proposed approach could cut levy income by about £13.2 million each year and push more than 70,000 customers toward unlicensed sites.
“If regulated bookmakers close shops, reduce investment or cut sponsorship, racing feels the impact,” Hurst said. “And if customers move to the illegal market, that market pays no betting levy, funds no British sport and offers none of the protections of the regulated sector.”
Last year, 57 Paddy Power shops were closed across Britain and Ireland, and if the current plan goes ahead, about 400 jobs could be lost, leaving the operator with just over 1,900 retail staff.
The BGC argues that each closure not only affects workers and communities but also chips away at the financial base that supports British racing.
