# William Hill owner Evoke set for £243.1m takeover by Bally’s Intralot

By Russ Mould — 2026-06-05

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: “Predator turns to prey as William Hill’s owner Evoke is set to be gobbled up by Bally’s Intralot.

“The deal looks chunky with a massive premium to market price just before Evoke effectively put itself up for sale.

“However, Evoke had already rallied in April when Bally’s Intralot confirmed bid interest at 50p per share. The firm offer is pitched slightly higher at 52p per share.

“It will bring an end to William Hill’s 24-year stint on the UK stock market as a standalone business and under Evoke’s corporate umbrella.

“The UK’s last man standing as a listed entity among the big high street betting names is now Ladbrokes which is owned by Entain.

“Paddy Power’s owner Flutter has already switched allegiance to the US and looks set to ditch its London listing completely.

“Gambling is still a viable industry in the UK, except it is increasingly done online.

“High street betting shops are a dying breed thanks to immense tax and cost pressures.”

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