Unmasking the Shadowy Operations of 1xBet: A Bellingcat Investigation
In recent years, the world of online gambling has exploded, with hundreds of betting platforms emerging, each vying for the attention of punters. Among them, 1xBet has captured headlines—though not always for the right reasons. A comprehensive investigation by Bellingcat, in collaboration with football sleuths from Josimar, has exposed a slew of illegal activities tied to this sports betting giant, including the manipulation of amateur matches and the unethical practice of allowing bets on games involving minors.
The 1xBet Phenomenon
Founded in Russia by fugitives Dmitry Kazorin, Roman Semiokhin, and Sergey Karshkov, 1xBet has grown to become a multi-billion dollar operation, now based in Cyprus and licensed in Curacao. Despite facing legal obstacles in several countries, including a blanket ban in the UK and others, the platform continues to thrive, reportedly generating over 63 million rubles (approximately $655 million) in illegal gambling payouts in 2021 alone. With its wide reach and aggressive marketing strategies, including celebrity endorsements, 1xBet remains a major player in the gambling industry—albeit one with a growing list of allegations against it.
The Investigation Findings
On October 21, 2024, Bellingcat’s investigation revealed that 1xBet hosts streams of thousands of amateur sports competitions, including everything from football to ping pong, sourced from countries where it’s banned—most notably Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Players allegedly hold back their performance, adhering to a clandestine rule where exceeding five goals results in reduced payouts. According to one former participant, the matches are “undoubtedly rigged,” with players manipulated into performing within strict limits to maintain an illusion of competition while ensuring the platform reaps maximum profits.
Match Manipulation Tactics: Breaking Down the Conspiracy
The investigation also delved into the technicalities of match manipulation. The Macolin Convention defines match-fixing as any attempt to influence the outcome of a sporting event for illicit profit. By misusing the names of famous football clubs—such as Real Madrid and Arsenal—1xBet engages in a form of deception that skirts legal boundaries while exploiting unsuspecting bettors. These amateur games are often set in ambiguous locations, including venues with disturbing affiliations to the Russian government, such as the Alexander Stepin football school in Bryansk, which aligns closely with Putin’s United Russia party.
Betting on the Young: The Dark Underbelly
Even more troubling is the revelation that 1xBet streams matches featuring minors, particularly highlighting a recently broadcasted floorball match involving underage girls. The event was organized by the National Floorball Federation of Russia, raising serious ethical concerns regarding consent and the legal rights of the participants. Betting on children’s games is a grotesque exploitation, often occurring without the knowledge or approval of players or their guardians, marking a new low for the gambling industry.
Motivations Behind the Madness
According to Ismail Vali, chief executive of Yield Sec, the strategy behind hosting these shady games lies in a larger scheme to entice customers into engaging with the more lucrative casino games offered by 1xBet. Float small-time, dubious sports events to reel in unsuspecting bettors, who might then swap to higher-margin casino games, where profits can soar as high as 50 percent compared to the mere single-digit margins typical in sports betting.
Facing the Music: Global Scrutiny
Despite its widespread operations, 1xBet finds itself under increasing scrutiny in various jurisdictions. The platform’s dealings have drawn ire from regulatory bodies and advocacy organizations alike. With multiple suspensions across nations and legal actions pending, the future of 1xBet remains uncertain. Countries like India continue to see aggressive advertising campaigns from the company, showcasing a stark contrast between regulatory compliance and blatant disregard for legal standards.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
Bellingcat’s investigation into 1xBet underscores the urgent need for greater scrutiny and regulation in the online gambling industry. As technology continues to evolve, making it easier to access such platforms, the potential for exploitation—especially of minors—remains a growing concern. While 1xBet’s operations may bring in substantial revenue, the broader implications for ethical standards in sports and gambling cannot be ignored. For punters and regulators alike, it’s crucial to demand transparency and accountability to protect the integrity of sports and safeguard vulnerable populations from exploitation.
As investigations like Bellingcat’s surface, they cast a much-needed spotlight on the operations of global betting giants, urging stakeholders to reconsider their participation in such platforms and compelling authorities to take necessary action against unethical practices.
