William Hill's Joe Robinson-Hale Wins Betting Shop Manager Of The Year

William Hill's Joe Robinson-Hale has been named the 2026 Racing Post/SIS Betting Shop Manager of the Year, beating seven other finalists from across Britain and Ireland at an awards ceremony in London.

The 35-year-old, originally from Belfast, received the trophy from champion jumps trainer Dan Skelton during a ceremony at Goldsmiths' Hall on Monday, 9 November. His victory marks William Hill's seventh overall success in the competition and its second consecutive win, following Tracey Mooney's triumph in 2025.

Robinson-Hale joined William Hill in Liverpool in 2012 and has spent more than a decade developing his career within the company's retail betting operations. His recognition follows a competitive selection process that assessed customer service, safer gambling practices, industry knowledge, leadership and community involvement.

Robinson-Hale Recognised For Community Engagement

The eight finalists underwent interviews with a judging panel on Sunday, alongside a key member of their respective betting shop teams. The competition was particularly close, with judges reportedly reaching their final decision shortly before midnight.

Robinson-Hale placed considerable emphasis on the contribution of his colleagues and fellow managers when accepting the award.

“As a manager we're only as good as the people we're working with and I'm so fortunate,” he said.

“I've said the whole way through this, this trophy doesn't represent one manager, it's all of us managers standing together showing what our industry can do. It's not just me, it's all of us together. We make each other stronger and better winners when we stand together.”

His work extends beyond the betting shop itself, with Robinson-Hale and his colleagues participating in community initiatives, including gardening projects at local cancer wards. The activities formed part of his approach to strengthening relationships between the business and the surrounding community.

“We're located in the community, we're connected to it with the people within our shops but we want to contribute to it as well and show why we deserve to be there,” Robinson-Hale said.

“It's not just a shop where people come in, we're going out and we're making the whole area better and that has to do with the people in the shops and the company supporting them.”

William Hill Secures Back-To-Back Victories

Robinson-Hale's success continues a strong period for William Hill in the annual competition, following Mooney's victory last year. The operator has now produced seven winners since the award was established in 1988, including previous successes in 2003 and 2012.

William Hill Managing Director for Retail Leo Walker welcomed the result and highlighted the experience of both recent winners, who have developed their careers within the business.

“Both Tracey and Joe have been here for a long time and the talent is within our business, all we've done is help give them a platform to showcase the great people that they are and the great work that they do in our betting shops,” Walker said.

“Joe's a worthy winner, he's going to be an incredible ambassador for not just William Hill but for the industry for the next 12 months.”

William Hill was also represented in the final by Glasgow-based manager Mark Drysdale. The remaining finalists were Aundrea Augustine of Paddy Power in Hounslow, Mark Fanning of BoyleSports in Thurles, Gemma Grundon of Coral in Carlisle, Katie Rolph of Betfred in Newmarket, Chris Vause of Coral in Goole and Joanne Wilson of Paddy Power in Boston.

Retail Betting Sector Faces Continued Pressure

The award comes during a challenging period for Britain's retail betting industry, with operators facing increased taxation, regulatory scrutiny and competition from online gambling platforms.

Robinson-Hale used the occasion to call for greater engagement between policymakers and the betting shop sector, arguing that physical premises continue to provide an experience that cannot be replicated entirely through digital gambling services.

“If all we've done is offer somewhere to put on a bet we'd be obsolete – everyone carries a betting shop now in the form of the phones in their pockets,” he said.

“We've survived Covid and it was for a reason, people come in to flick through a freshly-printed Racing Post, chewing on a punter pen, the SIS going in the background. That's an experience that you can't get anywhere else.

“Whenever you're going into the shop you're not just a transaction, you're a person and we can give you our expertise and our help.”

The competition's judging panel also considered how managers approach customer protection and the changing demands of retail betting. Richard Hayler, Managing Director of the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS), praised Robinson-Hale's commitment to fairness, safety and his local community, while other judges highlighted his understanding of technology and safer gambling procedures.

Alan Pepperell, Head of Retail at Racecourse Media Group, said:

“What sets Joe apart is his ability to balance innovation with rigorous, proactive safer gambling protocols to ensure his customers are protected.”

Award Winner To Represent Industry Throughout 2027

The 2026 competition marks the 40th anniversary of the Betting Shop Manager of the Year award, which recognises individuals working across the retail gambling sector in Britain and Ireland.

Paul Witten of SIS, which co-sponsors the competition, emphasised the importance of recognising frontline betting shop employees and their contribution to customers and local communities. The award also provides an opportunity for retail managers to engage with wider industry discussions, including regulation and the future of high-street betting.

As this year's winner, Robinson-Hale will be invited to attend several major racing and betting industry events over the next 12 months, representing both William Hill and the wider retail sector.

His victory adds another name to the competition's roll of honour while highlighting the role of customer relationships, safer gambling practices and community involvement in the operation of modern betting shops.