British operator Evoke reported first-half 2026 results with revenue flat at £887.5m, down marginally from £887.8m a year earlier. EBITDA fell 12% to £124.8m, driven by a £46m year-on-year tax increase following the rise in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% on 1 April.
Evoke offset more than half the tax hit through lower marketing spend, tighter bonus terms and operational cost cuts. CEO Per Widerström said the measures preserved cash flow and profitability under pressure.
UK and international
UK and Ireland online revenue rose 4%, led by William Hill where gaming grew 7%. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment climbed 28% despite the tax changes. Revenue at 888 declined as the company walked away from low-margin volume in favour of profitability.
International revenue fell 2%. Italy (+21%) and Denmark (+13%) grew, but Spain, Romania and other markets contracted. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment dropped 20% on higher taxes in Romania and Italy.
Retail
Like-for-like retail revenue rose 4% on machines and improved betting terminals. Reported revenue fell 3%: Evoke closed 200 William Hill shops in May, around 15% of the estate. The network shrank by 270 outlets in the half.
Bally's Intralot announced its £243.1m takeover of Evoke in June. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2026 or Q1 2027 pending shareholder and regulatory approval. The company has withdrawn guidance until completion.
