Higher gambling taxes cost  Evoke £46 million in the first half, wiping out an underlying improvement in profitability at the group.

The company, which is being bought by Bally’s Intralot, reported adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of £150.2 million for the six months to June, down 10% on a year earlier.

Evoke said it had offset more than half the gross duty increase through cheaper marketing, better promotional efficiency and cost savings.

The duty rises, announced by the UK government in November 2025, triggered the strategic review that led to the takeover agreement reached in June.

Revenue was flat at £887.5 million, or up 2% excluding roughly 270 shops closed since the prior-year period.

The group shut around 200 betting shops in May. Online revenue in the UK and Ireland rose 4%, with gaming up 7%, driven by William Hill.

Revenue from the 888 brand fell as the company prioritised margins over volume. International revenue declined 2%, with growth of 21% in Italy and 13% in Denmark offset by weakness in Spain, Romania and other markets.

The reported loss after tax was £70.2 million, broadly unchanged. Net leverage, the ratio of debt to earnings, rose to 5.6 times from 5.2 times at the year end.

Shareholders vote on the Bally’s Intralot deal on 17 August, with completion expected in the fourth quarter or early 2027. Per Widerström, chief executive, said trading since the period end had been in line with expectations, helped by engagement during the World Cup.