Evoke said third-quarter revenue fell 7% to £406 million, partly because of around 270 fewer retail shops and customer-friendly sports results.

On a like-for-like constant currency basis, which adjusts for shop closures and currency movements, revenue fell 2% in the three months to 30 September.

Customer-friendly sports results at the start of the football season reduced year-on-year revenue growth by 1 to 2 percentage points, leaving revenue broadly stable on a normalised basis.

Per Widerström, the chief executive, said the business remained resilient and focused on profitability and cash generation after substantial increases in gaming duties, particularly in the UK.

He said the closure of 270 shops over the past year showed the impact of higher taxation on jobs and livelihoods, and urged the UK government to consider carefully any further increases ahead of its forthcoming autumn budget.

Evoke said the recommended acquisition by Bally’s Intralot remains on track after shareholders of both companies passed the required resolutions.

The majority of required regulatory approvals have been received, and completion is expected in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to the remaining conditions.

Widerström said the group would remain focused on disciplined execution and operational efficiency as it progresses towards completion of the deal.