URGENT UPDATE: LiveScore Malta Limited has just announced it will withdraw its LiveScore Bet brand from Bulgaria, with operations set to cease by the end of 2025. This decision comes as gambling companies across Europe scramble to adapt to significant tax increases in the UK and an evolving regulatory environment.
The announcement follows a thorough review of LiveScore’s international operations, triggered by the UK’s 2025 Autumn Budget, which raised both Remote Gaming Duty and General Betting Duty. According to the company, the heightened tax burden and uncertainty surrounding Bulgaria’s regulatory landscape were key factors leading to this strategic withdrawal.
In a statement, LiveScore confirmed, “The withdrawal of the LiveScore Bet brand from Bulgaria is a strategic mitigation following the UK government’s significant tax increases. This move allows us to focus our resources on remaining robust and agile for the future.”
The company is also concerned about potential future tax hikes in Bulgaria aimed at addressing the country’s budget deficit. Starting in April 2026, Bulgaria is set to implement a staggering 40% tax rate on online casinos, followed by an increase in sports betting taxes the following year.
This dramatic shift in policy has prompted many operators to reconsider their presence in the market. Some are exploring options to sell customer databases and brands, while others are hesitating, waiting to see how the situation unfolds.
Grainne Hurst, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, expressed her concerns about the impact this will have on employment and consumer choice. “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,” she stated.
As pressure mounts on the UK gambling sector, other companies, such as evoke Plc, are also conducting formal reviews of their future strategies. The combined effects of tax hikes and the planned closure of physical betting shops are creating additional challenges for operators.
As LiveScore prepares to wind down its Bulgarian operations, affected employees have been informed and are undergoing a confidential consultation process. The company is now working to notify LiveScore Bet customers in Bulgaria about the impending changes.
This developing situation underscores a critical turning point for the gambling industry in Europe, as companies reassess their strategies in response to regulatory shifts and financial pressures. All eyes will be on how these changes will affect the market and its stakeholders in the coming months.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this story unfolds.
