Reviewed by The Best Sports Bet editorial team · Last updated June 2026 · Our editorial & review policy
Quick take: 1xBet is one of the biggest betting brands on the planet, and it does hold a Curaçao licence plus local licences in 35+ markets. But it carries serious, well-documented baggage — its UK licence was revoked, it’s banned in several major countries, its founders face international arrest warrants, and it has a record of disputed and unpaid winnings. In India it is illegal. For most readers we can’t recommend it — here’s the full, sourced picture and safer licensed alternatives. (18+. Gamble responsibly.)
Is 1xBet licensed and legit?
1xBet was founded in 2007 and operates on a Curaçao (CGA) B2C licence, supplemented by local licences in 35+ markets across Latin America, Africa and parts of Europe. By scale it’s enormous and visible (sponsorships have included FC Barcelona). So it is a “real” operator — but licensing is only half the picture, and 1xBet’s conduct record is where the problems start.
The serious concerns you should know first
- UK licence revoked (2019). The UK Gambling Commission revoked 1xBet’s licence following a Sunday Times investigation that reported bets offered on children’s sports and cockfighting, and advertising on illegal sites.
- Banned in multiple major markets. Following financial investigations, 1xBet is prohibited in the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France and Spain.
- Criminal cases against founders. International arrest warrants have been issued for its founders, who are defendants in a Russian criminal case.
- Child-sports allegations (2024). Bellingcat and Josimar reported that 1xBet allegedly organised live-streamed amateur games involving fake teams and minors.
- Unpaid winnings. A 1xBet subsidiary (1xCorp MV) was declared bankrupt in Curaçao in 2022 after refusing to refund a group of players; the operator has been accused of structurally denying legitimate wins.
These are reported matters from sources including the UK Gambling Commission, Wikipedia and investigative outlets — verify the current position yourself before making any decision.
Is 1xBet legal in India?
No. India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 classifies 1xBet as an illegal offshore betting site, and it operates without government approval. In March 2026, India’s Enforcement Directorate attached ₹18.10 crore in assets linked to 1xBet’s operation. If you’re in India, using it carries real legal and financial risk.
Should you use 1xBet?
It depends entirely on your jurisdiction — players in countries where 1xBet holds a genuine local licence have more protection, while those in banned or unlicensed regions risk account closure and lost funds. But given the documented record above — revoked UK licence, multiple bans, founder prosecutions, and disputed payouts — for most readers a properly licensed operator with a cleaner track record is the smarter choice.
Safer, licensed alternatives
- Dafabet — licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao, PAGCOR and the Isle of Man; strong Asian handicap and a far cleaner regulatory record. Read our full Dafabet review →
- 22Bet — Curaçao/Kahnawake licensed, broad markets and crypto-friendly; mind the slower card withdrawals. Read our full 22Bet review →
1xBet — frequently asked questions
Is 1xBet safe?
It holds licences but carries serious documented concerns — a revoked UK licence, bans in several countries, criminal cases against its founders, and disputed/unpaid winnings. Treat it with caution and prioritise your jurisdiction’s legal status.
Why was 1xBet banned in the UK?
The UK Gambling Commission revoked its licence in 2019 after a Sunday Times investigation reported bets on children’s sports and other serious misconduct.
Is 1xBet legal in India?
No — it’s classified as an illegal offshore operator under the 2025 Online Gaming Bill, and India’s Enforcement Directorate seized linked assets in March 2026.
What’s a safer alternative to 1xBet?
Dafabet and 22Bet are licensed alternatives with cleaner records; Dafabet is the closest match for Asian handicap bettors.
Gamble responsibly — 18+. Responsible gambling. Support: BeGambleAware / your local helpline.
