More than 130 betting shops are set to close as Betfred plans to cut more than 600 jobs.
The closures are expected to begin in September and affect 132 locations nationwide.
The chief executive of Betfred, Jo Whittaker, said the decision comes as Betfred has "tried hard to protect" all of its sites from closures.
Jo Whittaker said: “It is with deep regret that we have today started a consultation with colleagues working in more than 130 of our shops regarding a proposal to close those locations.
“We have tried hard to protect all our sites and the colleagues who work in them, but the combined impact of higher employer national insurance contributions, wage inflation, increases in gambling taxes and wider economic uncertainty has left us with no choice.”
The move will leave Betfred with around 1,100 shops across the UK.
Rival betting firms have also announced closures recently, including Paddy Power and Evoke, William Hill and 888 owner.
Evoke confirmed in April that around 270 betting shops are being closed as it looks to offset a hit from higher taxes amid talks over a £225.3 million takeover of the group.
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Paddy Power announced in October 2025 that it would shut 57 betting shops across the UK and Ireland, putting almost 250 workers at risk.
Parent firm Flutter, which also owns Betfair and Sky Bet, blamed the closures on “increasing cost pressures and challenging market conditions”.
It told staff that it will shut 29 UK shops, including one in Northern Ireland, and 28 in the Republic of Ireland.
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