The closures will affect 29 shops in the UK, including one location in Northern Ireland, and 28 shops in the Republic of Ireland. Of the 247 staff members at risk, 128 are based in the UK while 119 are in the Republic of Ireland.
Supporting Affected Employees
Flutter UKI, Paddy Power’s parent company, stated that affected staff would be offered redeployment opportunities where available within the organization.
“However, the closures will unfortunately lead to a number of job losses,” a company spokesperson confirmed.
The operator emphasized its commitment to employee support during the transition period. “We are consulting closely with colleagues and providing support to those affected by these changes,” the spokesperson said.
Market Pressures Drive Decision
The decision to reduce the retail footprint comes in response to rising operational costs and challenging market conditions affecting the betting industry’s high street presence.
Despite the closures, Flutter UKI reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a physical retail presence as part of its customer offering.
“We are continually reviewing our high street estate, but it remains a key part of our offer to customers, and we are seeking to innovate and invest where we can as we adapt to different customer trends and needs,” the spokesperson added.
The move reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior within the gambling sector, as more customers transition to online and mobile betting platforms.
Source: BBC
