Rising operational costs and increased tax burdens are forcing iGaming operators to reassess their platform strategies, with EveryMatrix positioning turnkey delivery as a superior alternative to traditional white label models. The company's approach comes as the UK entered what executives call the "40% era" for iGaming taxes in April 2026.
Cost pressures reshape platform decisions
The iGaming sector faces mounting financial pressures across multiple fronts. Beyond the UK's new 40% tax rate – positioning it among Western Europe's highest-taxed regimes alongside France, Germany and Poland – operators contend with escalating compliance costs, customer onboarding expenses, marketing fees, and supplier charges.
These pressures are compelling executives to scrutinise every aspect of their value chain, including fundamental platform decisions that were previously considered settled. The question for many operators is whether efficiency gains can be achieved without sacrificing growth or competitive positioning.
40%
UK iGaming Tax Rate (April 2026)
2019
Year EveryMatrix Relinquished UK/Denmark Licences
18 years
Company High for New Turnkey Business
EveryMatrix reframes the white label debate
Richardt Funch, Global Commercial Director at EveryMatrix, argues the industry has moved beyond traditional white label models without necessarily abandoning their core efficiency principles. His company relinquished operating licences in the UK and Denmark in 2019 to focus exclusively on advanced platform technology via turnkey delivery.
"White labels have been around for some time but are far less common today. We decided to relinquish our operating licences in the UK and Denmark in 2019 to focus on advanced platform technology via turnkey delivery."
— Richardt Funch, Global Commercial Director, EveryMatrix
The strategic shift has delivered measurable results for EveryMatrix, which recorded its best-ever year for new turnkey business in 2025/2026 – representing an 18-year high for the company. This performance included partnerships with major regulated tier-1 operators and lottery organisations globally.
Turnkey versus traditional models
Funch distinguishes between traditional white labels and contemporary turnkey approaches, arguing the industry's rejection of white labels stems from their inherent limitations rather than the underlying concept of integrated platform delivery.
"White labels may sometimes offer quick wins, but rarely do they offer more than that, compared to turnkey delivery that offers a long-term, sustainable approach enabling consistent growth."
— Richardt Funch, Global Commercial Director, EveryMatrix
The criticism centres on what Funch describes as the traditional white label's "all-in-one model" approach, which industry observers have characterised as a "cookie-cutter approach that has been proven to no longer work in regulated markets".
EveryMatrix's alternative focuses on customised solutions tailored to individual operator requirements rather than standardised offerings. This approach reflects what Funch terms a "changed philosophy" prioritising optimised delivery over generic platforms.
Platform Selection Strategy
When evaluating platform solutions, operators should assess the total cost of ownership including hidden fees for integrations, compliance updates, and scalability requirements. Many traditional white labels charge additional fees for custom features, payment methods, or market-specific compliance tools that can double initial cost estimates within the first year of operation.
The EveryMatrix Effect
The company positions its turnkey model as evidence that integrated platform delivery remains viable when properly executed. Funch references the "EveryMatrix Effect" to describe operators' increasing preference for turnkey solutions over traditional white label arrangements.
The focus has shifted from whether white label models work to whether elements of their efficiency can be repackaged into sustainable solutions.
This positioning comes as operators face investor pressure to maintain operating margins despite rising costs across all business functions. The challenge extends beyond platform considerations to encompass customer acquisition, retention, and regulatory compliance in increasingly complex jurisdictions.
Strategic implications for operators
The debate over platform delivery models reflects broader questions about operational efficiency in a constrained environment. As tax rates increase and compliance requirements expand, operators must evaluate whether integrated platform solutions offer genuine cost advantages over in-house development and maintenance.
EveryMatrix's performance suggests demand exists for sophisticated turnkey solutions that balance operational efficiency with customisation requirements. The company's partnerships with established operators indicate the model resonates beyond emerging market entrants typically associated with white label adoption.
For operators navigating cost pressures while maintaining competitive positioning, the distinction between traditional white labels and contemporary turnkey solutions may prove critical in strategic planning decisions.
