William Hill Exits 14 Countries, Impacting African Players on Dec 2
BREAKING NEWS: William Hill is set to exit 14 countries, including key African markets, starting December 2, 2023. This significant move follows the company’s recent announcement regarding the closure of approximately 200 shops in the UK, raising concerns among players and employees alike.
Effective December 2, customers in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, and Nigeria will no longer be able to place bets. William Hill has confirmed that all bets settled on or before this date will be honored, while those settling after will be voided. Customers will receive refunds directly to their accounts.
Players will retain access to their accounts for withdrawals until January 5, 2024. After January 6, accounts will be inactive, and users will need to contact customer support for any remaining balance.
This abrupt departure from African markets raises alarms about the future of William Hill’s operations amid ongoing business re-evaluations by its parent company, Evoke. The company previously licensed the 888 brand to 888Africa in a strategic joint venture focusing on regulated African markets, but the latest withdrawal indicates a potential shift in strategy.
In addition to the African exit, Evoke faces challenges in the UK, where officials warn that new gambling taxes could lead to the closure of up to 15% of its retail shops, placing approximately 1,500 jobs at risk. An Evoke spokesperson stated, “As part of our ongoing planning, we are assessing the potential impact of different overall tax scenarios on our UK operations.” This situation has created a climate of uncertainty for employees and customers alike.
With these developments, the urgency for affected players to withdraw their funds cannot be overstated. As the gambling landscape shifts rapidly, both players and industry professionals are left questioning what this means for the future of sports betting in Africa and the UK.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and its implications for the gambling industry.
