888 latest to trim Israeli workforce in cost-cutting move

UK-listed online gambling operator 888 Holdings is the latest operator to trim its payroll as part of a self-described “streamlining” process.

Last week, Israeli media outlets reported that 888 was in the process of laying off ‘several dozen’ of its local staffers, part of the company’s plan to achieve “a reduction in the number of personnel in a number of sites around the world.” The layoffs, along with other ‘efficiency’ measures, are expected to be completed by the end of the month.

888’s global workforce numbers around 1,300, most of which are based out of the company’s offices in Herzliya, a noted tech-hub in the Tel Aviv district. 888’s staff reduction follows hot on the heels of rival betting operator William Hill’s decision to close its Tel Aviv office, resulting in the redundancies of over 200 employees.

The soaring value of the Israeli shekel versus the British pound has been cited as a factor in both companies’ cost-cutting moves, along with the increased cost of operations in many regulated markets. 888 recently joined the flood of operators exiting Poland following the launch of that country’s strictly regulated, punitively taxed online gambling market. 888 also announced its withdrawal from Australia earlier this year.