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Flutter Considers Closing Up to 100 Paddy Power Shops as BGC Warns of Damage to Racing

By jili tutorial · September 5, 2026

Flutter Considers Closing Up to 100 Paddy Power Shops as BGC Warns of Damage to Racing

Flutter Entertainment may shut down as many as 100 Paddy Power betting shops across the UK and Ireland by the end of 2026, a move that would eliminate roughly one-fifth of the brand’s physical retail locations. The company has announced a formal review, putting approximately 400 jobs at risk.

Difficult Trading Conditions Drive the Review

While Flutter emphasized that its high-street estate remains a core part of the business, it pointed to a harsh trading environment and rising costs as key reasons for the potential closures. In a statement, a Flutter UK and Ireland spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud of our high street estate, and it remains a key part of our business in communities across the UK and Ireland. Unfortunately, we have had to take the extremely difficult decision to conduct this review.”

The operator cited several pressures, including intense competition, economic uncertainty, and a continued shift of customers to online betting. It also highlighted “a material impact from the higher gambling taxes announced in last year’s UK budget.” Flutter noted that its immediate priority is to support affected employees through the process.

A Worsening Trend in Retail Betting

The Paddy Power review adds to a broader decline in Britain’s retail betting sector. In April, Evoke confirmed it would close 230 William Hill shops to improve “long-term sustainability.” Then, in July, Betfred announced plans to shut 132 shops. Any Paddy Power closures in Britain would further reduce funding for British horse racing through the Horserace Betting Levy and media rights payments. According to Betfred, these payments amount to around £30,000 ($41,000) per shop each year.

Racing’s Funding Under Threat

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) estimates that betting shops contribute roughly £140 million ($188 million) annually to British racing. On Wednesday (September 2), BGC CEO Grainne Hurst warned policymakers that the financial link between racing and retail bookmakers is becoming increasingly fragile. Writing alongside Martin Cruddace, CEO of Arena Racing Company, Hurst noted that shop numbers have fallen by more than a third since 2019, with around 3,000 shops closing and more than 15,000 jobs lost.

“Every closed shop means a little less prize money, a little less investment in the sport and, ultimately, greater difficulty in exporting one of Britain’s great sporting products and attracting international investment,” they wrote.

Taxes and Affordability Checks Add Pressure

The warning comes as the betting industry pushes back against a broader package of regulatory and fiscal changes. Hurst singled out financial risk checks, arguing that racing bettors could be especially affected because betting activity often spikes around major meetings. The BGC estimates that the proposed approach could reduce levy income by about £13.2 million ($17.8 million) annually. It also claims more than 70,000 customers could move toward unlicensed gambling sites.

“If regulated bookmakers close shops, reduce investment or cut sponsorship, racing feels the impact,” Hurst said. “And if customers move to the illegal market, that market pays no betting levy, funds no British sport and offers none of the protections of the regulated sector.”