The operator is considering closing up to 132 bookies in the UK, as part of a consultation to mitigate the impact of UK gambling tax hikes. Betfred has announced plans to close 132 of its UK betting shops and reduce its workforce by more than 600 employees as of September. A further increase to the UK’s remote betting tax is expected in 2027, although this will not hit retail betting directly. Entain chose to close 39 of its approximately 100 Ladbrokes shops in Ireland, representing over a third of its estate in the country. Unlike Betfred however, Entain insisted the cuts were not a reaction to the tax hike, but rather part of a longer-term cost optimisation effort.