LiveScore Group has confirmed it will withdraw its LiveScore Bet sports betting brand from Bulgaria before the end of 2025. The decision is due to rising gambling taxes in the UK and increasing regulatory uncertainty in overseas markets.
In a brief statement, the company said LiveScore Bet will formally cease operations in Bulgaria by year-end. The operator has already begun contacting customers in the country to explain the next steps.
The decision forms part of what LiveScore described as a wider strategic mitigation response to the UK government’s latest tax reforms. In November, authorities confirmed that UK-licensed operators will face substantial increases in gambling duties over the coming years. Remote gaming duty is set to rise sharply from 21% to 40%, starting in April 2026. Furthermore, a new general betting duty for remote betting will increase from 15% to 25% from April 2027. This new levy will apply to online betting profits but will exclude self-service betting terminals, spread betting, pool betting, and horse racing.
“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 said.
Alongside UK tax pressure, the operator also highlighted uncertainty in Bulgaria’s regulatory outlook. The Bulgarian government has provisionally discussed raising gambling taxes as part of broader efforts to reduce the national budget deficit. According to LiveScore, this uncertainty played a role in the decision to exit the market.
The company said it is refocusing resources to ensure the group remains robust and agile in the future. All affected staff have been informed and are subject to a confidential consultation process. Meanwhile, an exercise is under way to notify LiveScore Bet customers in Bulgaria.
The UK’s planned tax increases have triggered strong criticism across the gambling industry. Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Grainne Hurst warned that the new rates could undermine jobs, investment, and growth. Evoke chief executive Per Widerström described the measures as highly damaging, while Entain chief executive Stella David said the increases pose significant risks to both operators and consumers. Meanwhile, Flutter UK and Ireland chief executive Kevin Harrington also raised concerns about the long-term impact on the regulated market.
Despite the backlash, some voices in Europe have supported a similar approach. Hasse Lord Skarplöth, chief executive of Sweden’s state-owned betting operator ATG, recently suggested Sweden should follow the UK in increasing gambling taxes, while excluding horse racing from any hike.
That proposal drew sharp criticism from Gustaf Hoffstedt, secretary general of the Sweden Trade Association for Online Gambling. He warned that such a move would amount to self-harm and could fuel further growth in what he described as one of Europe’s largest black markets.
