Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 14 hours ago
🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #262 with Savvas Fellas CEO and Founder of MrQ.
UK Tax Shock, Black Market Risk & The Future of Operators
In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Savvas Fellas, CEO of MrQ, breaks down the real impact of the UK’s upcoming gambling tax changes and what they mean for operators, players, and the wider industry.
With tax increases expected to reach up to 40% of revenue, this conversation explores how operators are adapting, where margins are being squeezed, and why the next 12 months could reshape the UK market.
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Sponsors message
01:48 - Welcoming Savvas Fellas
03:48 - Building MrQ & company philosophy
07:40 - Impact of the 40% tax increase
12:17 - Crisis vs opportunity: how companies respond
16:20 - Cost cuts across the industry (RTP, suppliers, structure)
19:18 - Acquisition, affiliates & marketing challenges
22:00 - Black market risk and player behaviour
25:16 - Trust vs value: why players choose operators
30:09 - Market consolidation & economies of scale
33:59 - Survive vs thrive: strategy for MrQ
36:31 - Focus vs expansion: staying in the UK
39:05 - Regulation, UKGC & industry responsibility
44:43 - The future of the UK market
48:44 - Consolidation: fewer, larger operators
51:50 - How to build a strong gaming brand
53:49 - Final thoughts: winners vs losers
🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333
CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO
✩ Website: next.io
This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology
https://pragmatic.solutions/
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider
pragmaticplay.com/en
Sponsored by:
Hard Rock Games: hardrockgames.com
🎙️ NEXT.io Podcast #262 with Savvas Fellas CEO and Founder of MrQ.
UK Tax Shock, Black Market Risk & The Future of Operators
In this episode of the NEXT.io Podcast, Savvas Fellas, CEO of MrQ, breaks down the real impact of the UK’s upcoming gambling tax changes and what they mean for operators, players, and the wider industry.
With tax increases expected to reach up to 40% of revenue, this conversation explores how operators are adapting, where margins are being squeezed, and why the next 12 months could reshape the UK market.
⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Sponsors message
01:48 - Welcoming Savvas Fellas
03:48 - Building MrQ & company philosophy
07:40 - Impact of the 40% tax increase
12:17 - Crisis vs opportunity: how companies respond
16:20 - Cost cuts across the industry (RTP, suppliers, structure)
19:18 - Acquisition, affiliates & marketing challenges
22:00 - Black market risk and player behaviour
25:16 - Trust vs value: why players choose operators
30:09 - Market consolidation & economies of scale
33:59 - Survive vs thrive: strategy for MrQ
36:31 - Focus vs expansion: staying in the UK
39:05 - Regulation, UKGC & industry responsibility
44:43 - The future of the UK market
48:44 - Consolidation: fewer, larger operators
51:50 - How to build a strong gaming brand
53:49 - Final thoughts: winners vs losers
🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/409DefE06IKPhZzhDIDpH3
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-io-podcast/id1515442333
CONNECT WITH NEXT.IO
✩ Website: next.io
This episode of NEXT.io is brought to you by:
Pragmatic Solutions – Leading iGaming platform technology
https://pragmatic.solutions/
Pragmatic Play – Industry-leading content provider
pragmaticplay.com/en
Sponsored by:
Hard Rock Games: hardrockgames.com
