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LiveScore Malta Limited, part of the LiveScore Group, has announced that its LiveScore Bet brand will cease operations in the Netherlands on November 29, 2024. The decision follows the Dutch government’s planned tax increase, which will see the Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) tax rise from 30.5% to 37.8%. This substantial hike has rendered the market commercially unviable for LiveScore Bet, according to CEO Sam Sadi.
The company has already informed the Netherlands gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), of its decision to relinquish its license. Customers and employees have been notified of the upcoming changes, with the transition process carefully outlined. Account registration has been deactivated to prevent new players from joining, and from November 25, players will no longer be able to deposit funds into their accounts. Players can continue to wager their existing balances until November 29, after which all betting services will cease. On the same day, any remaining account balances will be refunded directly to players' linked accounts. Post-closure, LiveScore Bet’s customer support team will remain available to assist players with questions regarding account balances and refunds.
Sam Sadi expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to its Dutch customers since its entry into the market in 2021. “Unfortunately, the planned tax increase means that this market is no longer viable commercially. We thank our players, people, and partners during our time in operation,” he stated.
The Dutch tax hike has sparked widespread criticism from the gambling industry. Many operators and trade associations have warned that the increase could destabilize the regulated market, encouraging operators to exit and driving players towards unregulated platforms. Research from Atlas Partners also highlighted the risk of such a move, predicting that the higher tax burden would make it challenging for operators to maintain profitability. Holland Casino, the country’s land-based gambling monopoly, has similarly warned that its operations will struggle to remain sustainable under the new tax regime.
LiveScore Bet’s departure marks a significant moment in the Netherlands' evolving gambling landscape. The company was among the first 10 licensees to enter the newly regulated Dutch market in 2021. Its decision to exit follows that of Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola, making LiveScore Bet the second high-profile operator from the original wave of entrants to leave the market.
Despite this setback, LiveScore Bet remains operational in other jurisdictions, including the UK, Ireland, and Nigeria. Its withdrawal from the Netherlands reflects the challenges posed by regulatory changes and the need for operators to evaluate market viability amid shifting conditions.
Sources: EGR, LiveScore Group
