The Dark Side of Betting: Inside the 1xbet Phenomenon

In the world of online gambling, few names ring out as loudly as 1xbet. With thousands of sports matches streaming daily, it’s a tempting siren call to many gamblers. However, a recent joint investigation by Bellingcat and Josimar sheds light on a distressing underbelly of this platform, revealing operations that starkly diverge from standard sports betting.

A Bizarre Betting Landscape

Every day, 1xbet broadcasts an astonishing array of sports events, featuring games such as hockey, soccer, and basketball. Yet, despite the familiar names, these events feel unsettlingly different. The broadcasts emanate from low-resolution cameras that might be more appropriate for a horror film than a sporting event. The games, stripped down and contorted, often feature fewer players and are engineered to finish quickly, with a ‘short football’ match lasting as little as ten minutes.

In a world where the love of the sport should reign supreme, these adaptations strip away authenticity in favor of rapid-fire gambling. In September alone, 1xbet live-streamed 1,297 of these mini-soccer games, suggesting that the platform might air close to half a million similar games in a single year.

Shady Practices and Youth Involvement

The investigation further reveals an alarming trend: many of the players involved in these short, unconventional matches are as young as 14 years old. The concept of children participating in such gambling-laden sports is not just troubling but raises significant ethical and legal questions. Bellingcat’s meticulous research traced several players back to their social media profiles, uncovering that many games are filmed in rudimentary warehouse settings throughout Ukraine and Russia.

An adult player of short football described a dismal work environment, revealing that individuals often operate within a shady framework, working long hours for meager pay—about $30 for a six-hour shift. This situation reflects the exploitative nature of 1xbet’s operations, where financial gain overshadows the well-being of the participants.

A Surreal Sports Environment

The games featured on 1xbet go beyond traditional sports. Viewers can place bets on air hockey, table tennis matches, and even innovative versions of soccer that involve players sitting on benches. In “bench soccer,” two players kick a ball back and forth while seated, and “table basketball” resembles an arcade game featuring a plastic ball. This grotesque amalgamation of sports fundamentally alters the experience of gambling, relegating it to a bizarre spectacle bereft of genuine athleticism.

The portrayal of these games adds another layer of discomfort. There is an absence of cheering fans and vibrant match atmospheres. Instead, the player action often takes place against drab urban backdrops, with stickers of enthusiastic crowds awkwardly affixed to walls, reminiscent of early webcam performances rather than legitimate sporting events.

A Shadowy Background

1xbet was founded by Dmitry Kazorin, Roman Semiokhin, and Sergey Karshkov, who faced an international arrest warrant issued by Russia in 2020. The site operates in blatant disregard of bans in numerous countries, including the United States, yet it continues to flourish. It is estimated that 1xbet generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, attracting a vast audience despite the legality of its operations being questionable.

Contradictory Partnerships

Despite its controversial practices, 1xbet has managed to secure high-profile sponsorships that seemingly bolster its credibility. In July 2024, Spanish football club FC Barcelona announced a partnership with the gambling platform, extending the collaboration until 2029. Furthermore, 1xbet flaunted its partnership with actress Urvashi Rautela as its brand ambassador in India—a country where the platform is not legally permitted to operate. These partnerships illustrate the chasm between 1xbet’s shady operational methods and its attempts to project a legitimate image through associations with well-respected brands.

Conclusion: The Need for Regulation

As the investigation by Bellingcat and Josimar lays bare the unsettling reality surrounding 1xbet, it highlights a pressing need for regulatory scrutiny in the online gambling industry. The exploitation of young athletes, coupled with the transformation of sporting events into grotesque spectacles for quick betting, paints a bleak picture.

The global gambling landscape must grapple with the ethical implications of platforms like 1xbet, where profit supersedes the principles of sport, safety, and responsibility. As viewers and potential gamblers navigate this murky terrain, awareness and advocacy for sound regulations are more critical than ever.