Betfred to close 132 stores and cut 600 jobs over ‘economic uncertainty’

Betfred to close 132 stores and cut 600 jobs over ‘economic uncertainty’ Ryan Prosser | Freelance News Reporter Published August 3, 2026 9:04am Updated August 3, 2026 9:04am Betfred is closing over one in 10 of its high street stores (Picture: Getty Images) Betfred is set to close more than a tenth of its betting shops, citing economic uncertainty and pressure from increasing taxes. The high street bookmaker will also axe 600 jobs from September, with 132 of its shops earmarked for closure. Originally based in Warrington, Cheshire, Betfred was founded by brothers Fred and Peter Done in 1967. In the wake of last year’s Budget, Fred Done warned that the business could disappear from the high street, saying planned tax rises were the ‘biggest threat’ his company had faced in its 57 years. His