LiveScore Bet is to shut down in Bulgaria, calling the decision a “strategic mitigation” following the UK gambling tax increases announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget.
The sports betting app is withdrawing its service from the Bulgarian market after less than a year in operation.
It’s launch in February 2025 coincided with the signing of former Manchester United and Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov as LiveScore Group’s official European brand ambassador.
Berbatov was the face of the company’s Safer Gambling Week campaign last month, featuring in a promotional video.
Increase In Remote Gaming Duty Blamed
In a short statement confirming that LiveScore Bet would exit Bulgaria, the company referred to the impending UK gambling tax hikes.
“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,” it read.
Remote Gaming Duty will increase from 21% to 40% at the start of the next financial year in April 2026.
A new General Betting Duty of 25% for remote betting, up from 15%, will come into force in April 2027.
Several leading players in the UK’s betting arena have declared that job losses and high street shop closures are an inevitability.
William Hill owner Evoke under CEO Per Widerstrom has already launched a strategic review.
The London-listed company, which also owns the 888 brand and Mr Green, said all options are being considered.
That could lead to William Hill being sold as a part of Evoke’s recovery plans.
Financial Challenges In Bulgaria
LiveScore’s statement also highlighted the “uncertainty” surrounding Bulgaria’s regulatory landscape.
The country’s amended budget in November announced that from January 1, 2026 it was raising tax levels for gambling operators.
At present, the gambling sector active in Bulgaria is liable to pay 20% on gross gaming revenue (GGR).
From January, operators of sports betting, lottery games and online gambling, will have to pay 25% tax on their GGR.
This is being introduced to help dig the Balkan state out of a large fiscal hole, as its budget deficit presently sits at €3.86 billion.
LiveScore Bet Bulgaria To Close By Year End
LiveScore Bet Bulgaria will formally cease to operate by the end of this year, ahead of the country’s proposed increase in tax duties.
“The refocusing of resources ensures LiveScore Group remains robust and agile for the future,” said the statement.
“All impacted people have been informed and are now subject to a confidential consultation process.
“An exercise is now underway to inform all LiveScore Bet customers in Bulgaria.”
Exit From The Dutch Market In 2024
LiveScore Bet closed its operation in the Netherlands in November last year, following similar punitive tax increases.
The Dutch government announced a planned two-phase increase from the 2024 level of 30.5% on GGR.
From January 1, 2025, tax for betting operators jumped to 34.2%.
It will rise again to 37.8% from January next year, affecting all verticals from casinos to online operators.
LiveScore Group also announced an internal restructure following that news.
The action affected more than 100 existing roles across its multiple business locations.
That included staff at its London office in Soho’s Golden Square.
CEO Sam Sadi said: “This is a hard time for all our people, as we say goodbye to colleagues who have played an important role in our journey across recent years.”
LiveScore Bet remains active in the UK, Ireland and Nigeria.
