UPDATE: LiveScore Malta Limited has announced it will withdraw its LiveScore Bet brand from Bulgaria, with operations set to cease by the end of 2025. This urgent decision follows significant tax hikes in the UK and ongoing regulatory uncertainties affecting gambling firms across Europe.
The company’s review comes on the heels of the UK government’s 2025 Autumn Budget, which increased both Remote Gaming Duty and General Betting Duty. These changes have prompted many gambling companies to reassess their operations in various markets, particularly in Bulgaria where regulatory conditions remain unpredictable.
In a statement, LiveScore confirmed: “The decision is a strategic mitigation following the UK government’s 2025 Autumn Budget.” The company highlighted the potential for further tax increases in Bulgaria to address the national budget deficit, prompting the need for a more resilient operational strategy.
The implications of this exit are profound. An online casino tax rate of 40% is scheduled to be implemented in Bulgaria starting April 2026, with additional sports betting tax hikes anticipated shortly thereafter. As a result, many operators, including LiveScore, are reevaluating their positions in the market, raising concerns about employment stability and the future of customer service.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, expressed serious concerns over the impact of these tax increases, stating: “Massive tax increases for online betting and gaming announced in the Budget make them among the highest in the world, and are a devastating hammer blow to tens of thousands of people working in the industry across the UK, and millions of customers who enjoy a bet.”
The strategic exit from Bulgaria allows LiveScore Group to concentrate its resources on remaining flexible and robust in the face of these regulatory shifts. A consultation process is currently underway for all affected employees, while LiveScore Bet customers in Bulgaria are being informed of the impending changes.
In the broader industry context, other companies like evoke Plc are also initiating formal reviews of their operations as they grapple with mounting pressures from UK gambling regulations. The combined impact of tax increases and planned shop closures is creating significant challenges for stakeholders across the sector.
As this situation unfolds, industry observers are watching closely to see how other operators will respond to the rapidly changing landscape. The urgency for strategic adaptation has never been greater as the gambling industry braces for heightened scrutiny and regulatory demands.
Stay tuned for further updates as LiveScore Bet winds down its operations and the industry continues to navigate these tumultuous waters.
