Paddy Power could close up to 100 betting shops across the UK and Ireland by the end of 2026, placing approximately 400 jobs at risk of redundancy, as reported by several UK media outlets.
Parent company Flutter Entertainment has not disclosed how the closures would be divided between the two markets. Paddy Power currently operates 506 shops, comprising 310 in the UK and 196 in Ireland, and employs more than 2,300 people across its retail business.
Closing 100 locations would reduce the estate by almost 20%. The review follows Paddy Power’s previous announcement in October that it would shut 57 outlets.
Flutter attributed the latest decision to rising energy, rental and business-rate costs, economic uncertainty, intense competition and the continuing shift towards online gambling. It also identified higher UK gambling taxes announced in last year’s Budget as a material factor.
The group previously estimated that the tax changes would reduce its 2026 earnings by $320m before planned mitigation worth $85m. Goodbody analyst David Brohan said he believed the shop review formed part of that mitigation and warned further closures could follow as leases expire or if machine games duty increases.
Flutter said it would consult affected employees, seek redeployment opportunities where possible and provide support during the process.
The plans could also reduce income for British racing through lower levy contributions and media-rights payments. No specific estimate has been provided for the Paddy Power closures. However, Betfred previously estimated that its proposed closure of 132 shops would cost racing approximately £4m ($5.4m).
Paddy Power is the latest major operator to review its retail estate. Betfred has announced plans to close 132 shops, while William Hill owner Evoke has selected 270 locations for closure following its own strategic review.
Despite pressure on its traditional shop estate, Paddy Power has continued selected retail partnerships. The operator opened Paddy’s Sportsbook at London’s Hippodrome Casino in October 2025 and recently extended its agreement with Inspired Entertainment for gaming terminals and content across UK locations.
Regulus Partners estimated in 2025 that British racing derives around 40% of its income from bookmakers through betting shops
