William Hill owner Evoke's Q3 revenue falls on UK shop closures, unfavourable sports results

Evoke

Today 07:49

Oct 23 (Reuters) - British betting and gaming company Evoke EVOK.L on Friday reported a 2% fall in third-quarter revenue, on a like-for-like constant currency basis, weighed down by store closures and unfavourable sports results early in the football season. 
     Here are some details:
The company, which owns betting brands such as William Hill, 888 and Mr Green, reported a revenue of £406 million ($543.51 million) for the quarter ended September 30
Sports outcomes that resulted in higher payouts to winning betters at the start of the football season trimmed revenue growth by about 1 to 2 percentage points year-on-year, Evoke said
In March, Evoke said it would shut a number of betting shops following tax hikes announced last year
CEO Per Widerström said the closure of 270 shops over the past year "shows the real impact on jobs and livelihoods from higher industry taxation"
Evoke urged the UK government to carefully consider any further tax increases ahead of its upcoming autumn budget
The debt-laden company agreed to be acquired by Greek lottery and gaming firm Bally's Intralot BYLOTr.AT in June 
($1 = 0.7470 pounds)

 (Reporting by Nithyashree R B in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)
 ((NithyashreeRB@thomsonreuters.com))