Sky Bet, the UK’s leading betting app, has officially moved its headquarters to Malta, marking a major strategic restructuring by its parent company, Flutter Entertainment. The decision is driven by a combination of operational efficiency and potential tax benefits, with experts estimating that the move could save tens of millions of pounds annually. Marketing and commercial operations are now being managed under a newly created Maltese entity, SBG Sports Limited, while Flutter retains a significant presence at its Leeds office.
The restructuring has resulted in approximately 250 UK-based redundancies, affecting employees across multiple offices in the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe. While Flutter has emphasised that regulatory burdens and the need for pragmatic business operations were key reasons, insiders note that tax considerations played a significant role. Malta’s corporate tax rate, significantly lower than the UK’s, could provide substantial financial relief for Sky Bet’s operations.
The move comes at a politically sensitive time, with UK authorities facing pressure to increase gambling duties. Industry leaders, including Flutter CEO Peter Jackson, have warned that higher taxes could push customers towards unlicensed operators, while MPs have criticised the decision as contradictory to the industry’s claims of supporting UK tax contributions. Flutter maintains that it contributed over £700m to UK tax revenues last year and employs more than 5,000 people domestically.
This strategic shift is part of Flutter’s broader international operations plan, which includes previous headquarters relocations and market listings in Gibraltar and New York. The Malta move highlights ongoing debates around gambling taxation, corporate responsibility, and global competitiveness. It positions Flutter to streamline its operations, optimise costs, and continue delivering innovative experiences for players while navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
