Betfred Unveils Revamped Spectrum HQ After Multimillion-Pound Transformation
Betfred has reopened its head office in Warrington, Cheshire, following an impressive multimillion-pound refurbishment. The revamped 50,000 sq ft space boasts several state-of-the-art features designed to enrich both the employee experience and business operations.
A Grand Reopening
The historic site, previously known as the Warrington Spectrum—a venue famous for live music and sports—has been reimagined to serve as the dynamic hub for Betfred’s operations. The unveiling ceremony on November 22 was attended by company founder and chairman Fred Done, alongside Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons and Rugby Football League president, who unveiled a commemorative plaque.
Fred Done expressed his pride in the reopening: “Reopening our Spectrum HQ is a very proud moment for me and my family. We’ve come a long way since having one shop in Salford in 1967, and I’m delighted that, because of our close association with Rugby League, Sir Lindsay Hoyle has kindly agreed to officially open the building.”
Cutting-Edge Features Define Spectrum HQ
The newly refurbished Spectrum HQ features several cutting-edge additions aimed at enhancing both the employee experience and the company’s operations. Among these is the Nifty 50 Studio, where Betfred broadcasts its £5 million top-prize numbers game with live presenters.
Another highlight is the Immersion Tunnel, a high-tech, museum-like space that celebrates Betfred’s sporting legacy, capturing the dynamic energy of a modern stadium.
The redesign also includes collaborative workspaces, carefully crafted to inspire creativity and teamwork among the 450 staff members based at the headquarters.
Betfred group CEO Joanne Whitaker said: “The reopening of the Spectrum marks a fresh chapter for us. This redesign is more than just a new look – it’s about building an inspiring, collaborative environment that reflects our bold ambitions. We’ve created a dynamic space where ideas can flourish, and our teams can come together. We’re excited about the possibilities this new headquarters will open up and are looking forward to the journey ahead.”
The Warrington head office will serve as the central hub supporting satellite offices in key locations, including Manchester, Salford, Gibraltar, the United States, and South Africa. This global network underscores Betfred’s growing footprint in the international gaming and betting industry.
A Year of Growth for Betfred
The reopening of Spectrum HQ comes on the heels of a successful financial year for Betfred. Highlights include:
- Online Revenue Surge: Online revenue doubled to £331m, attributed to Betfred’s acquisition of a 51% stake in South African operator Lottostar in 2022. Lottostar’s contribution included £134m in revenue and £41m in net profit.
- Retail Growth: Despite closing 77 betting shops, retail revenue rose by 3.5%, reaching £577m.
- EBITDA Boost: EBITDA before exceptional charges jumped to £117m, a significant increase from £67.8m the previous year.
- Overall Turnover: Turnover surged by 26%, reaching £908m.
In May, Betfred rebranded its technology arm, Sharp Gaming, to Betfred Technology, fully integrating the supplier into its operations. This move underscores Betfred’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Andrew Daniels, Sharp Gaming’s founder, has been appointed group chief information officer, while Nick Cockerill has taken on the role of chief product officer.
