Entain’s upgrade of its UK retail portfolio continued this week as the Ladrokes and Coral parent company announced the opening of its 100th ‘Digi-Hub’ shop.
Located in Muirhouse, Scotland, the revamp of the local bookmaker means that FTSE100 gambling group Entain is now 50% closer to its target of rolling out Digi-Hus across 200 venues by the end of 2024.
The group’s ‘digital-first’ approach to its 1,400-strong retail estate has seen existing shops updated with new sports betting and gaming terminals, interactive displays and more digital touch points.
Retail betting took a noticeable hit during the pandemic as shops were forced to close for much of 2020 and 2021. Entain has highlighted the launch of its Digi-Hubs as playing an ‘integral’ role in assisting the bounceback of its bricks-and-mortar estate.
Will Thorp, Strategy Director – UK Retail at Entain, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our 100th Digi-Hub. We’re passionate about creating connected, digital experiences in our shops to continue distinguishing ourselves as the market leader.
“Entain sits at the very heart of a fast-paced, ever-evolving world of entertainment, and to continue providing positive player experiences, it’s crucial that we continue to innovate and excite our customers. Digi-Hubs help us do just that and have been a huge hit.”
The company has so far registered one million gaming sessions and 10 million bets placed in Digi-Hubs across the Ladbrokes and Coral range of betting shops, which it partly attributes for its recent rise in retail NGR by 56% in its 2022 accounts.
Entain is not the only player on the UK high-street to pursue a digital enhancement of its shops, however, with rivals BoyleSports and William Hill adopting similar measures over the past two years.
