Bet365 has announced 300 redundancies at its headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, alongside a further 40 job losses at its overseas offices in Malta and Gibraltar. The company, founded and led by Denise Coates, Britain's highest-paid woman, cited increased tax pressure on the gambling sector following changes introduced by the Labour government as a contributing factor in its decision to reduce headcount.
300
UK jobs cut at Stoke-on-Trent HQ
The cuts represent a significant reduction at the Stoke site, which has long served as the operational heart of one of the UK's largest online bookmakers. Bet365 is among a number of gambling businesses responding to what the sector has described as a substantial increase in its tax burden, with employers' national insurance contributions and other levies raising operating costs considerably.
The wider gambling industry has been vocal about the financial strain of recent government tax decisions, with several operators warning that rising costs would lead to job reductions and structural changes. Bet365's announcement is one of the most prominent examples of those warnings materialising into confirmed redundancies, given the company's size and its deep roots in the Stoke-on-Trent economy.
Why this matters if you're facing redundancy
If you work at Bet365's Stoke-on-Trent headquarters, the first question worth asking is whether you are in a role or team that has been placed at risk of redundancy, and when the formal consultation period is due to begin. With 300 roles affected at a single site, the company is legally required to collectively consult for a minimum of 45 days before any dismissals take effect, and your employer must also notify the government by submitting an HR1 form. This means you have time, and you have rights. Use that period to engage with any elected employee representatives or trade union if one is recognised, and ask to see the selection criteria being used.
It is also worth understanding what your redundancy package looks like beyond the statutory minimum. Bet365 is a large, profitable business, and some employers in this position offer enhanced terms. Ask specifically whether your settlement includes notice pay, any bonus entitlements, and what happens to share schemes or benefits. If you are unsure whether the offer you receive is fair, a free initial conversation with an employment solicitor or your local Citizens Advice can help you understand your position before you sign anything.
Because 100 or more roles are affected, your employer should be running a collective consultation lasting at least 45 days before any dismissal takes effect. These thresholds apply per establishment, so the exact position depends on how the cuts are spread across sites.
FairEnough is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice before signing any documents. Information shown is for general guidance based on UK statutory entitlements.
