LiveScore Malta Limited has confirmed that its LiveScore Bet brand will withdraw from the Bulgarian market, with operations scheduled to end by the close of 2025. The decision places the company among a growing number of gambling operators reassessing their market exposure after major fiscal changes in the United Kingdom and continued uncertainty in parts of Europe.

The group stated that the move follows a review of how recent tax decisions and regulatory risks affect its wider business. LiveScore Bet currently operates in the UK, Ireland, and Nigeria, where it remains focused on expanding its sportsbook offering within the LiveScore ecosystem.

Exit Linked to Tax Changes and Regulatory Risk

According to LiveScore Malta, the withdrawal represents a “strategic mitigation following the UK government’s 2025 Autumn Budget,” which introduced higher Remote Gaming Duty and General Betting Duty. The company also cited Bulgaria’s evolving regulatory outlook, including discussion of a potential tax increase aimed at addressing the country’s budget deficit.

LiveScore Group said the shift in focus would allow it to allocate resources more effectively and protect its long-term position. The company said the refocusing of resources ensures LiveScore Group “remains robust and agile for the future.”

Employees affected by the decision have already been notified and placed into a confidential consultation process. At the same time, LiveScore has begun informing Bulgarian customers about the planned closure and the steps that will follow before the end of 2025.

While the Bulgarian exit narrows LiveScore Bet’s geographic footprint, the brand continues to position itself as a sportsbook integrated into the widely used LiveScore platform. The company describes its product as serving established user relationships built through live sports coverage and emphasizes responsible betting tools for customers in its remaining markets.

UK Market Reassesses Its Shape After Budget Shock

LiveScore’s move comes as UK-facing operators respond to what industry figures describe as a tax shock. Following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to raise gambling taxes beyond earlier expectations, companies across the sector have begun reviewing whether their current business models remain viable.

With an online casino tax rate of 40% due to take effect from April 2026 and a separate increase to sports betting tax planned for the following year, many operators have yet to commit to a clear course of action. Some businesses are exploring the sale of databases, brands, or entire operations, while others are monitoring the situation before making changes.

One senior executive at a smaller UK-facing brand, speaking anonymously, said confusion remains widespread at the leadership level. They said: “There’s a section of the industry which is still in disbelief. They think this [the tax increase] is going to be rolled back to some degree.”

The same executive explained that their company was examining opportunities selectively, including the possible acquisition of customer databases from operators that decide to exit. They added: “If someone is going to just decide to close the shop, there could be a potential opportunity to acquire players in a faster way than through your affiliates – that’s it. You can gamble on a database.”

Consolidation Expectations and LiveScore’s Position

At the larger end of the market, Evoke, which owns 888 and William Hill, has already begun a strategic review that sources believe may lead to a breakup of the group. Other companies with lighter debt loads face pressure as well, particularly those without strong positions outside the UK.

Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group, revealed that around a dozen companies were actively seeking buyers “and probably another dozen who haven’t come to grips with reality yet.” LiveScore is understood to be assessing potential acquisition targets with annual net gaming revenue between £20m and £100m.

Industry analysts expect some level of contraction but not a mass exit. Eilers & Krejcik Gaming projects that 10.3% of the UK online gambling market could leave by 2028. However, Alun Bowden, SVP of strategic insight at the firm, said the actual figure may end up lower. He expects most market share to remain concentrated among major operators, with a smaller group of second-tier brands continuing to compete.