1xBet History: Licensing, Regulation & Legal Challenges

Licensing Overview

What license does 1xBet hold?

1xBet holds a Curaçao eGaming License as its primary international operating license. It also holds local licenses in Spain, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, and Nigeria. In Ireland, the 1xBet brand is operated by Terminus Platform Ireland Limited, which holds Remote Bookmaker's Licence No. 1019276 issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Why was 1xBet banned in the UK?

In 2019, The Sunday Times conducted an investigation revealing that 1xBet was promoting what was described as a 'pornhub casino' with provocative content, accepting bets on children's sports, and advertising on inappropriate websites. Following this exposé, the UK Gambling Commission revoked 1xBet's license to operate in the United Kingdom.

Legal Challenges

What countries are 1xBet banned in?

Following various regulatory investigations, 1xBet is no longer permitted to operate in the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France, and Spain. This prompted the company to focus its growth strategy on Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and India, where it has found significant market acceptance.

What was the Curaçao bankruptcy case?

In November 2021, 1xBet's subsidiary company 1xCorp MV filed for bankruptcy in a Curaçao court after refusing to refund a group of gamblers represented by a gaming victims' foundation. The company was declared bankrupt in June 2022 but continued to operate. In January 2023, the Dutch Supreme Court also declared 1xCorp MV bankrupt. Critics allege that 1xBet structurally denies legitimate wins, with millions of euros in unpaid winnings owed to players.

How much did 1xBet make from illegal gambling?

According to publicly available reporting, by 2021 the 1xBet operation had generated more than US$655 million from gambling activities that Russian authorities classified as illegal. This figure formed part of the criminal case opened against the company's founders.