Some operators are already feeling the impact of recent tax increases in the UK market and are taking significant steps to manage it.
One of those operators is LiveScore Group, as LiveScore Malta Limited has withdrawn its LiveScore Bet brand from Bulgaria, with operations set to cease by the end of 2025.
The group made it clear that the decision has been made due to having to manage finances differently in the wake of the UK gambling market’s remote gaming duty and general betting duty rising, as well as potential tax increases in Bulgaria.
“The decision is a strategic mitigation following the UK government’s 2025 Autumn Budget, which saw significant increases to both Remote Gaming Duty and General Betting Duty,” commented LiveScore.
“Furthermore, the exit decision considers the uncertainty in Bulgaria’s own regulatory landscape, with a potential tax rise on the horizon to reduce the national budget deficit. The refocusing of resources ensures LiveScore Group remains robust and agile for the future.
“All impacted people have been informed and are now subject to a confidential consultation process, while an exercise is now underway to inform all LiveScore Bet customers in Bulgaria.”
Mitigating the impact
LiveScore operates LiveScore Bet and Virgin Bet in the UK market, both of which will be impacted by remote gaming duty rising from 21% to 40% in April next year, as well as the new general betting duty rate for remote betting of 25% set to be introduced from April 2027.
However, this isn’t the first time LiveScore has exited a market due to tax increases, as in November 2024, the group departed the Netherlands gambling market after the country announced a tax rise to 37.8% by January 2026.
Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group, told SBC News last month that the company’s decision to leave the Netherlands has proven to be the correct one.
“Our decision has been validated, and we’ve understood the direction of travel and the kind of ideology that the government, obviously related to the regulatory body, has adopted,” Sadi stated.
“I think we do benefit right now from having exited earlier, because a lot of capital was wasted in the country trying to get to profitability.”
Even larger operators aren’t immune to the impact of the UK market’s tax increases, as evoke recently initiated a strategic review of its operations, which could include the potential sale of the group.
evoke CEO Per Widerström called the budget “highly damaging for the economy and consumers” shortly after its announcement, as well as “ill-thought-through” and “counterproductive”, noting that it will impact jobs, UK investment and player protection.
The strategic review followed William Hill‘s exit from 13 global markets back in November, several of which were in the midst of substantial tax reform.
The manner in which LiveScore is managing its finances in response to the UK gambling tax hikes could be replicated by other operators in the coming months in different global markets, as operators restructure their offerings to minimise tax costs.
However, operators could also look to pass the cost of tax increases from the UK budget through price increases and reduced payouts, as suggested by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
