Sky Bet Moves Headquarters To Malta As Flutter Targets Big Tax Savings

Flutter Entertainment has shifted Sky Bet’s headquarters to Malta in a move that could reduce annual tax expenses by tens of millions. The restructuring places the operator’s sports betting arm under SBG Sports Limited, a newly formed entity registered in the United Kingdom.

Good to Know

• Estimated annual tax savings may reach £55 million
• Sky Bet leadership moved commercial functions to Malta beginning November 1
• The change follows a planned reduction of roughly 250 roles in the UK

ITV first reported the relocation, noting that the decision channels Sky Bet’s betting operations through the Maltese branch of the new SBG Sports Limited structure. According to the report, the shift arrives at a time when public finances remain tight, prompting questions about the impact on UK tax revenue.

Tax expert Dan Neidle said the projected savings of about £55 million relied on last year’s profit numbers and reflected both corporate tax advantages and VAT relief available in Malta. He told ITV:

“I know lots of people who’ve gone to Malta. They’ve all either gone there for sunbathing or to avoid tax. I don’t know anyone who’s gone there for any other reason.”

Neidle also highlighted concerns about long-term exposure to regulatory shifts:

“If I had been advising them, I’d say that it was reckless. The risk is that there’s a lot of expense in moving people to Malta, and then they’re stuck. And if the law changes [or] HMRC challenges their position, they could end up, in fact, saving nothing, but being stuck in Malta.”

Operational Changes And Workforce Reductions

Flutter informed employees in June that the administrative adjustment would be paired with cost reductions, including a plan to cut around 220 UK roles. The group told staff the changes were aimed at improving efficiency and managing rising expenses across the business.

Steve Birch, chief commercial officer for Sky Betting and Gaming, said internal updates that took effect November 1 shifted commercial and marketing decision making to Malta. At the same time, the long-standing Leeds office will remain one of Flutter’s largest operational hubs, according to ITV.

Flutter continues to broaden its international profile as it balances market share, cost structure, and investor positioning. The company recently moved its primary stock listing to New York while maintaining a secondary listing in London. With a valuation near £30 billion, Flutter calls itself the world’s largest sports betting and iGaming operator. Other major Flutter brands with a UK footprint, including Paddy Power and Betfair, are already registered in Ireland and Malta.

Sky Bet’s regulatory relationship with Malta stretches back several years. The firm first sought a sports betting license in the country in 2017, during a period when the Maltese government had hinted that a well-known betting operator planned to establish operations there.

FAQ

Why did Sky Bet move its headquarters to Malta?

The shift appears to center on tax efficiency, with estimated savings reaching about £55 million annually.

What entity now oversees Sky Bet’s betting operations?

Operations moved into the Maltese arm of SBG Sports Limited, a newly created UK entity.

How does this affect Sky Bet staff?

Flutter previously announced plans to reduce roughly 250 roles in the UK as part of a broader efficiency strategy.

Will Sky Bet keep a presence in Leeds?

Yes. The Leeds office remains one of Flutter’s larger operational locations.

Why are experts raising concerns?

Analysts warn that future regulatory or tax changes could undermine the financial benefit of relocating operations.

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