Ep 653: Flutter’s Sky Bet Seeks Ultimate Tax Efficiency in Malta
In this episode of iGaming Daily, supported by Optimove, Charlie Horner, Ted Orme-Claye, and Joe Streeter, discuss Sky Bet’s decision to relocate key commercial and marketing decision-making roles from Leeds to Malta.
The primary motivation is tax efficiency. The move is estimated to save Flutter tens of millions in tax. Independent estimates calculate corporation tax savings alone at approximately £31m, moving from the UK’s 25% rate to Malta’s 5% rate. Further savings of £15m to £20m annually may come from joining an EU VAT group.
The timing of the announcement, just ahead of the Labour budget, has sparked controversy, fuelling trepidation about the UK economy among operators. Although the Leeds office remains open, the relocation of roles is seen as a setback for the northern tech hub. The practice of shifting domicile has received political scrutiny, including being raised at Prime Minister's Questions, where it was framed as a move to dodge tax.
The trio question whether Sky Bet, a "very British institution" due to its EFL sponsorship and Sky Sports links, is simply late to adopt the low-tax jurisdiction model used by many major operators.
To read more on the discussions had in today's episode, click on the following links:
- https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/11/19/flutter-sky-bet-malta/
- https://igamingexpert.com/features/flutter-sky-bet-uk-malta/
Host: Charlie Horner
Guests: Joe Streeter & Ted Orme-Claye
Producer: James Ross
Editor: James Ross
iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast.
The primary motivation is tax efficiency. The move is estimated to save Flutter tens of millions in tax. Independent estimates calculate corporation tax savings alone at approximately £31m, moving from the UK’s 25% rate to Malta’s 5% rate. Further savings of £15m to £20m annually may come from joining an EU VAT group.
The timing of the announcement, just ahead of the Labour budget, has sparked controversy, fuelling trepidation about the UK economy among operators. Although the Leeds office remains open, the relocation of roles is seen as a setback for the northern tech hub. The practice of shifting domicile has received political scrutiny, including being raised at Prime Minister's Questions, where it was framed as a move to dodge tax.
The trio question whether Sky Bet, a "very British institution" due to its EFL sponsorship and Sky Sports links, is simply late to adopt the low-tax jurisdiction model used by many major operators.
To read more on the discussions had in today's episode, click on the following links:
- https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2025/11/19/flutter-sky-bet-malta/
- https://igamingexpert.com/features/flutter-sky-bet-uk-malta/
Host: Charlie Horner
Guests: Joe Streeter & Ted Orme-Claye
Producer: James Ross
Editor: James Ross
iGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast.
Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
