Key Legal Controversies in 1xBet's History
Since its founding in 2007 in Russia, 1xBet has been involved in multiple legal controversies across different countries.
- 2019: UK Gambling Commission revokes 1xBet license
- 2020: International arrest warrants issued for three company founders
- 2020: Founders identified as Sergey Karshkov, Roman Semiokhin, and Dmitry Kazorin
- 2021: 1xBet subsidiary 1xCorp MV files for bankruptcy in Curaçao
- 2022: 1xCorp MV declared bankrupt by Curaçao court; continues operating
- 2023: 1xCorp MV declared bankrupt by Dutch Supreme Court
- 2023: Morocco investigates 1xBet for illegal gambling enterprise
- 2024: Investigations into alleged amateur matches involving minors
The 2019 UK Gambling Commission action against 1xBet resulted in the complete revocation of 1xBet's UK operating license, effectively banning the platform from serving British customers. International arrest warrants were issued for the company's three founders, who had all obtained Cypriot citizenship. Russian authorities seized estates valued at approximately 1.5 billion rubles.
The Founder Controversy and Arrest Warrants
The Investigative Committee for the Russian Bryansk Region released the names of 1xBet's founders: Sergey Karshkov, Roman Semiokhin, and Dmitry Kazorin. All three hold Cypriot citizenship. The trio are defendants in a criminal case in Russia related to organizing an illegal online bookmaking operation. By 2021, their company had reportedly made more than $655 million through activities characterized by Russian authorities as illegal gambling. Sergey Karshkov reportedly died in Switzerland in 2023.
Player Protection Concerns and Bankruptcy Proceedings
In November 2021, 1xBet's subsidiary 1xCorp MV filed for bankruptcy in Curaçao after refusing to refund a group of players. Players reported that 1xBet structurally denied legitimate wins, with millions of euros in unpaid winnings. The company was declared bankrupt in June 2022 but continued to operate. The Dutch Supreme Court also declared 1xCorp MV bankrupt in January 2023. These controversies highlight the importance of understanding the legal status and regulatory history of any online betting platform before depositing funds.
Related Guides
Understanding whether 1xBet is legal or not requires checking the laws of your specific country or state. Always consult local regulations before registering with any online betting platform. Visit our complete guide for a full country-by-country breakdown of 1xBet's legal status in 2026.
