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.

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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.

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