Evoke Takeover: Bally's Intralot Deal Clears Shareholder Votes

Shareholders of both companies have now backed the deal that would take evoke, owner of 888casino and William Hill, off the London Stock Exchange.

The takeover of evoke, the company behind 888casino and William Hill, has cleared both shareholder votes, SBC News reports.

Bally’s Intralot shareholders approved the purchase at the company’s annual general meeting on 17 September, with 99.585% in favour. Evoke’s own shareholders had already voted 99.63% in favour at its AGM, with results published on 17 August. The offer is 52p per share, valuing evoke at £243.1 million.

What still has to happen

The deal still needs a small number of regulatory approvals, including a court sanction hearing to approve the scheme, expected in either the fourth quarter of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027. Once the takeover completes, evoke will leave the London Stock Exchange.

Evoke began looking for a buyer in December 2025, when it launched a strategic review after the UK government announced higher online gambling taxes. Remote Gaming Duty rose from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026. The company has also accelerated William Hill shop closures, confirming in March that 200 more would close.

What it means if you play at 888casino or William Hill

A change of owner at group level does not change who holds the UK licence. 888casino is licensed to 888 UK Limited and William Hill to WHG (International) Limited, and both licences remain Active on the Gambling Commission register. If the licensee or its details change after the deal completes, it will show on the register, and we will update both reviews.