LiveScore Bet to exit the Netherlands over tax hike concerns
Operator, which was one of the original 10 brands to secure a licence in October 2021, blames planned rate increase as core reason for pulling out
LiveScore Bet will cease operating in the Netherlands from the end of the month after deciding to exit the market ahead of a planned tax hike.
The LiveScore Group brand will formally withdraw, with operations ceasing on 29 November.
The decision came after the Dutch government confirmed plans to raise the tax rate from 30.5% to 37.8% of GGR across two tranches, starting in January.
The rise is the brainchild of the country’s right-wing coalition government, with the tax rate first moving to 34.2% next year, before heading to 37.8% in January 2026.
LiveScore Group said its primary concern over the tax raid was for the “impact on its people and customers”.
The privately owned business said a process was now underway to inform its customers, with all impacted employees now being informed and subject to a “confidential consultation process”.
The operator has also stopped all new customer registrations in the Netherlands as it laid out its planned exit timeline in a statement.
From the week commencing 25 November, players will no longer be able to make deposits, although players can still place bets until 29 November.
But from that date, LiveScore Bet will shutter and refund all player account balances.
LiveScore Group said it informed the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) of its decision to relinquish its licence.
LiveScore Bet was one of the first 10 brands to secure a licence when the Dutch market regulated in October 2021, with its initial licence running until October 2026.
Speaking to EGR earlier this year, LiveScore Group CEO Sam Sadi warned that increased regulation in the Netherlands could result in the company pulling out of the market.
At the time, he said a tax increase could become a “battle we can’t win”.
Those concerns have now come to fruition, with LiveScore Bet joining Flutter’s tombola brand in exiting the country over the planned tax hike.
Sadi commented: “On behalf of all LiveScore Malta directors, it is with regret that we have made the difficult decision to exit LiveScore Bet from the Netherlands.
“Unfortunately, the planned tax increase means that this market is no longer viable commercially.
“Since our launch in 2021, we have built a brilliant community of engaged customers, and we will greatly miss our relationship with them.
“We would like to thank our players, people and partners during our time in operation.”