LiveScore Bet exits Bulgaria amid UK gambling tax increase

The LiveScore Bet brand, operated by LiveScore Group, has announced its planned exit from the Bulgarian market before the end of 2025. The decision forms part of the company’s “strategic mitigation” strategy following the recent increase in gambling tax in the United Kingdom.

In a brief statement, LiveScore confirmed that the brand would “formally cease” operations in Bulgaria by the end of 2025. The company is currently contacting customers in Bulgaria to inform them of the next steps regarding accounts, funds and ongoing bets.

UK gambling tax hike drives strategic decision

LiveScore cited the recent rise in UK gambling taxes as the primary driver of the Bulgarian exit. In November, the UK government confirmed that UK-licensed operators would face higher remote gaming duty and a new general betting duty.

Remote gaming duty, which previously stood at 21%, will rise to 40% from the start of the next financial year in April 2026. In addition, the new general betting duty for remote betting, currently 15%, will increase to 25% by April 2027. This new duty applies exclusively to online betting profits and excludes other forms of gambling such as self-service betting terminals, spread betting, pool bets and horse racing bets.

“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,” LiveScore stated.

This shift in taxation policy has created operational pressures for companies that operate across multiple jurisdictions. While LiveScore Bet operates internationally, the company indicated that the increased UK taxes would have broader financial implications for its global business model.

Uncertainty in Bulgaria’s gambling landscape

Beyond the UK tax increase, LiveScore highlighted potential changes in the Bulgarian gambling market as an additional factor influencing its decision. The Bulgarian government has provisionally discussed raising gambling taxes to reduce the national budget deficit.

LiveScore described this regulatory uncertainty as a contributing factor to the decision to withdraw from Bulgaria. “Refocusing of resources ensures LiveScore Group remains robust and agile for the future,” the company said. “All impacted people have been informed and are subject to a confidential consultation process. An exercise is now under way to inform all LiveScore Bet customers in Bulgaria.”

Industry analysts suggest that Bulgaria, like other European markets, faces pressure to increase gambling tax revenues. However, higher taxation in regulated markets can lead to unintended consequences, including shifts of players toward unlicensed operators or offshore platforms, potentially undermining both revenue collection and responsible gambling measures.

Industry reaction to UK tax increases

The UK gambling industry reacted strongly to the tax hikes, describing them as excessive and potentially damaging. Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, warned that the higher rates could undermine jobs, investments and market growth.

Evoke CEO Per Widerström echoed these concerns, calling the tax increases “highly damaging” for both the UK economy and for players. Similarly, Stella David, CEO of Entain, highlighted the risks posed to licensed operators, noting that such tax burdens could affect operational viability and investment capacity.

Kevin Harrington, CEO of Flutter UK and Ireland, also expressed concern, emphasizing that the increases could disrupt the business environment and reduce innovation in the sector.

Despite this industry-wide opposition, some operators in other countries are advocating for similar measures. AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth suggested that Sweden might consider increasing taxation for licensed online operators, excluding horse racing from the hikes.

This proposal was met with criticism from Sweden Trade Association for Online Gambling secretary general Gustaf Hoffstedt, who warned that higher taxes could drive players to unregulated markets, undermining the domestic industry and public revenue collection.

Potential impact on Bulgarian market

LiveScore’s withdrawal from Bulgaria may have wider implications for the local gambling industry. Bulgaria’s regulated online betting market has been expanding steadily, attracting both local operators and international brands. However, potential increases in gambling tax could slow this growth or push international operators to reconsider their presence.

Analysts argue that increased taxation, while beneficial for government revenues in the short term, can have adverse effects on market competition and innovation. Players may seek alternatives in unlicensed or offshore markets, which carry higher risks related to consumer protection and responsible gambling.

LiveScore’s exit may also influence other operators evaluating the Bulgarian market. Companies with similar business models might reassess their operations in light of regulatory uncertainty, particularly if taxation policies become more restrictive.

LiveScore Group’s broader strategy

LiveScore Group’s decision to exit Bulgaria appears to be part of a broader strategic review of its international operations. By refocusing resources, the company aims to strengthen its position in core markets while mitigating regulatory and financial risks.

The group has emphasized that the decision is not a reflection of the Bulgarian market’s potential but rather a response to external pressures, including tax increases in the UK and potential changes in Bulgaria.

“The strategic refocus allows us to allocate resources more efficiently, maintain operational resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of our brand across key markets,” a LiveScore spokesperson said.

Preparing customers for the transition

LiveScore is taking steps to ensure a smooth exit for Bulgarian customers. This includes notifying account holders, processing withdrawals and providing information on pending bets. The company has stated that all customer interactions will follow a confidential consultation process to minimize disruption and safeguard user funds.

Industry observers note that the withdrawal process will be closely watched by both regulators and competitors, as it may set a precedent for how international operators respond to sudden tax changes or regulatory uncertainty in smaller European markets.

Lessons for the gambling industry

LiveScore Bet’s exit from Bulgaria highlights several key considerations for the gambling industry:

• Regulatory risk management: Operators must monitor taxation changes and potential regulatory shifts in each market to make informed strategic decisions.
• Financial resilience: Higher taxation in core markets can have ripple effects internationally, affecting profitability and investment capacity.
• Customer communication: Transparent and timely communication with customers is critical during market exits to maintain trust and reputation.
• Market diversification: Operators with diversified portfolios can better absorb shocks from individual markets, whether due to taxation or regulatory changes.

The decision also underscores the delicate balance governments must maintain when setting gambling taxes. While increasing revenue is a priority, overly aggressive taxation can drive players to unregulated markets, potentially reducing consumer protection and overall market integrity.

Outlook for other European markets

LiveScore’s withdrawal from Bulgaria raises questions about the potential impact of tax policies in other European jurisdictions. Analysts suggest that countries with rising budget deficits may look to gambling operators as a source of additional revenue. However, excessive taxation may lead to market contraction, player migration and increased unlicensed activity.

Operators and trade associations across Europe are likely to monitor developments closely, especially in markets like Sweden, Germany and Italy, where regulated gambling sectors play a significant role in national economies.

In the UK, the government’s tax increases reflect a broader effort to maximize revenue from online betting. However, the industry’s vocal opposition suggests that there may be continued lobbying to mitigate the impact on operators and players.

Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, the government’s discussions around tax increases remain tentative. The long-term effects of any changes will depend on the final structure of taxation, enforcement mechanisms and the regulatory framework that governs online betting.

Conclusion

LiveScore Bet’s exit from Bulgaria is a significant development for the European gambling industry, illustrating the challenges faced by international operators amid shifting tax regimes and regulatory uncertainty. While the decision was influenced primarily by UK tax increases, potential changes in Bulgaria added an additional layer of risk, prompting the company to withdraw strategically.

The exit highlights the importance of regulatory stability and balanced taxation in maintaining healthy gambling markets. For players, it emphasizes the need to engage with licensed operators and remain informed about market changes.

For regulators, LiveScore’s decision serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of abrupt tax hikes or unclear policy directions, particularly for markets that rely on international operators to drive growth and innovation.

As the gambling industry continues to evolve, companies like LiveScore Group will need to navigate complex legal, financial and operational landscapes to protect their business interests while remaining compliant with local and international regulations.

The coming years will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, regulators and players alike, as the implications of taxation and market exits ripple across Europe’s gambling sector.

FAQs

What is LiveScore Bet’s reason for leaving Bulgaria?
LiveScore Bet cited the UK gambling tax increase and potential Bulgarian tax changes as the main reasons for its exit.

When will LiveScore Bet cease operations in Bulgaria?
The company plans to formally cease operations by the end of 2025.

How has the UK government changed gambling taxes?
Remote gaming duty will rise from 21% to 40% in April 2026 and general betting duty will increase from 15% to 25% in April 2027.

Does the new UK tax apply to all gambling types?
No, it applies only to online betting profits and excludes self-service terminals, spread betting, pool bets and horse racing.

Is Bulgaria considering a tax increase on gambling?
The Bulgarian government has provisionally discussed raising gambling taxes to reduce the national budget deficit.

What steps is LiveScore taking for customers in Bulgaria?
The company is contacting customers to inform them about account closures, withdrawals and pending bets.

How has the gambling industry responded to UK tax hikes?
Industry leaders have criticized the increases as excessive and potentially damaging to jobs, investment and growth.

Could other countries follow the UK’s tax increases?
Some industry leaders suggest other countries may adopt higher taxes, but experts warn it could push players to unregulated markets.

Will LiveScore return to Bulgaria in the future?
The company has not confirmed any plans to return, emphasizing its current strategy focuses on other core markets.

What lessons does this provide for the gambling industry?
Operators must manage regulatory risks, communicate with customers, diversify markets and consider financial resilience in the face of tax changes.