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Rules and licensingBetfred drops rugby sponsorship because of rising taxes
Betfred ends its rugby partnership after tax hikes and wage inflation hit the business.
Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 21 September 2026
Major bookmaker Betfred will soon end its sponsorship deal with the rugby Super League. The betting operator made the choice with a very heavy heart according to the company owner Fred Done. Rising tax burdens and increased wage inflation forced the firm to reduce its expenses.
Tax hikes hit the industry
The UK government approved major tax increases in the recent Autumn Budget. General betting duty moved up to twenty five percent while remote gaming duty nearly doubled to forty percent. These new tax rates took effect in April and shocked the entire gambling sector.
Wider problems for bookmakers
Betfred is not the only betting brand struggling with the new financial pressures. Other major operators are also cutting costs and reducing staff numbers across the country. Entain and bet365 recently announced job losses while Paddy Power started a review that could close many betting shops.
Tough times for retail betting
The partnership ending follows other cost cutting measures taken by the betting company earlier this year. Betfred previously closed one hundred thirty two shops in July due to the exact same financial pressures. The Rugby Football League thanked the bookmaker for all the support provided over the years.
Tax increases on betting companies are leading to reduced sports sponsorships and fewer retail betting shops.