William Hill Exits 13 Global Markets, Major Changes Ahead

UPDATE: In a significant move, William Hill has just announced the closure of operations in 13 global markets, effective 2 December 2025. This decision reflects a broader trend within the betting industry as major regulatory shifts loom.

The affected countries include Angola, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Vietnam. This closure follows Paddy Power‘s earlier announcement to shut down 57 high-street shops across the UK and Ireland, indicating a troubling trend for traditional sportsbooks.

Officials from William Hill confirmed that customers in these markets can still access their accounts until 5 January 2026 to withdraw funds. The company reassured users, stating, “Your balance is safe with us.” However, any open bets that remain unsettled after the closure date will be voided and refunded.

The timing of this announcement parallels the impending November budget from the Labour Party, which suggests a possible 50% increase in existing tax levies on betting companies. This looming financial pressure is pushing major operators like William Hill to tighten their belts and reevaluate their global footprint, leading to significant job risks.

With 1,500 jobs at stake, William Hill is also considering the future of its brick-and-mortar locations within the UK, planning to close 1 in 10 stores. This could lead to over 120 stores shutting down permanently, impacting communities and workers across the nation.

As the betting landscape continues to shift rapidly, stakeholders are urged to stay alert. The closure of these markets signifies more than just operational changes; it highlights the urgent need for adaptation amid evolving regulations and market demands.

Expect more developments as the situation unfolds. Stay tuned for updates on William Hill and its strategic responses to ongoing challenges in the betting industry.