William Hill owner’s turnaround plan falters as losses widen

William Hill in Manchester city centre. At Evoke’s UK shops revenue was down 8% on last year. Photograph: Joel Goodman/The Guardian

The owner of William Hill and 888 reported widening losses in the first half of 2024, in a “disappointing” update that led its new management team to admit that its turnaround plan for the gambling group was running behind schedule.

Pre-tax losses at Evoke, which was rebranded from 888 earlier this year, ballooned from £45m to £147m, largely owing to a £72m hit incurred by the company’s retreat from the US market and finance costs associated with 888’s £2bn takeover of William Hill in 2022.