Hundreds of excessive avenue betting outlets closing was solely a matter of time after tax hikes
The Daily Star says going down to a betting shop is a British institution but bookies like William Hill are now a casualty of the crippling tax hikes announced by Rachel Reeves
William Hill is set to close branches(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
It was only a matter of time. Betting giant William Hill has announced it will have to close almost 270 stores across the UK.
The bookies are a casualty of the crippling tax hikes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the 2025 autumn budget. Experts from the industry – and your Daily Star – said it was a grave threat that would threaten the future of high street bookies.
And it looks like we were right. Being able to go down to your local betting shop is a British institution. So this will be hugely disappointing news for the millions of people who love a punt – and prefer to do it in-shop.
But it will also be even more devastating for the hundreds of people set to lose their jobs. The UK employs around 46,000 people in its nearly 6,000 bookies.
And Reeves has opened the door for the axe to be swung on all of them. That’s one thing you can bet on.
The cost of loving
The news that condoms could hit £13 is a bit of a blow. A pack of contraceptives could be hiked from around £10 due to the Iran war.
Experts say the unrest in the Middle East has disrupted supply chains and forced a sharp rise in production overheads.
But look on the bright side – one pack could last most fellas years if they stick to the usual birthdays and Christmas.
And remember, it’s still a lot cheaper than having kids…
Rich pick
King Charles caught up with his pal, the singing legend Lionel Richie, during his US tour.
Perhaps they were discussing the Croon Jewels?
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