Key Moments:
- Paddy Power has decided to close 28 betting shops in Ireland, potentially affecting 119 employees.
- Flutter UKI plans to shut down a total of 57 betting shops across the UK and Ireland following a strategic review.
- Recent leadership changes and shifting consumer habits have driven this restructuring, with job reductions expected at key brands.
Retail Downsizing and Restructuring
Paddy Power is reducing its presence on Ireland’s high streets, confirming the closure of 28 retail betting locations as part of a wider cost-saving and restructuring initiative led by parent company Flutter UKI. As a result of this move, 119 employees could lose their positions. Furthermore, the broader plan involves shutting down 57 outlets across the UK and Ireland. The company aims to respond to evolving consumer preferences and the ongoing shift toward online platforms.
Also Paddy Power betting is set to close 28 of its on street betting shops as online betting takes over from face to face betting. Ireland is among the top for per adult gambling spend in the world. Estimates suggest we spend 9 billion on gambling. Do you think online gambling… pic.twitter.com/o7AzOUxQSH
— Niall Boylan (@Niall_Boylan) October 16, 2025
Impact on Employees and Major Brands
Flutter is implementing job cuts across several notable brands under its umbrella, such as Sky Betting and Gaming, Betfair, and Paddy Power. Approximately 220 roles will be affected in the coming months as the company consolidates its business operations. While the company aims to redeploy staff where feasible, it has acknowledged that some job losses cannot be avoided. Paddy Power has reiterated the ongoing importance of physical betting shops in its business model but stressed the need for continuous investment and innovation to meet changing market demands.
Leadership Realignment and Corporate Strategy
The restructuring is accompanied by notable changes in the leadership structure. In June, Ben Reilly was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer at Flutter UKI, bringing together the responsibilities previously held by Sky Bet’s Steve Birch and Paddy Power’s David Newton, both of whom are expected to leave the company by year-end. CEO Kevin Harrington now leads Flutter UKI, having assumed the role in November 2024 – an appointment viewed as pivotal as the division adapts to a more digitally oriented customer base.
Retail Closures vs. Continued Expansion
Despite narrowing its high-street footprint, Paddy Power has maintained an aggressive approach to brand expansion and marketing. In September, the operator was named the official sportsbook partner of the NFL in the UK and Ireland. Shortly after, “Paddy’s Sportsbook” launched inside London’s Hippodrome Casino, merging retail experience with entertainment to appeal to a broader range of patrons. These ventures underline Flutter’s confidence in the Paddy Power brand as it reassesses the performance and future of its physical shop network.
| Company | Actions Under Restructuring | Number of Shops/Jobs Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Paddy Power | Irish Betting Shop Closures | 28 shops, 119 employees |
| Flutter UKI (Total) | UK & Ireland Betting Shop Closures | 57 shops |
| Flutter Major Brands (incl. Sky Betting and Gaming, Betfair, Paddy Power) | Job Reductions | 220 roles affected |
Industry Trends and Outlook
The challenges faced by Paddy Power and Flutter UKI reflect broader pressures in the betting sector. For instance, William Hill, owned by Evoke, has signaled that up to 200 shop closures could occur should new tax proposals targeting UK gambling operators be implemented. Against this backdrop, Paddy Power’s restructuring is seen as a precautionary measure to protect profitability and adapt to regulatory and consumer shifts. The group continues to focus on balancing a strong retail presence with its growing online offering as market conditions evolve.
- Author
Daniel Williams
