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 But it carries serious, well-documented baggage — its UK licence was revoked, it’s banned in several major countries, its founders face international arrest warrants, and it has a record of disputed and unpaid winnings. It is also not licensed in Australia, so Australian punters get no local protection on top of those red flags. For most readers we can’t recommend it — here’s the full, sourced picture and safer 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, none of those licences is Australian, 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 Australia?
No — it is not licensed here. Under Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001, it is illegal for an offshore operator to offer online betting to Australians without an Australian licence, and online in-play betting is banned. 1xBet has been named among offshore gambling sites the ACMA has moved to block at the ISP level. The Act targets the operator rather than the individual punter, but the combination here is the worst of both worlds: no Australian consumer protection and an operator with a documented record of disputed payouts. If your A$ balance is frozen or a win denied, you would have no local regulator to escalate to.
Should you use 1xBet?
For Australian readers, our answer is no. Even in countries where 1xBet holds a genuine local licence players have more protection — but Australia is not one of them, and on top of that you’re weighing a revoked UK licence, multiple bans, founder prosecutions and disputed payouts. A properly licensed operator with a cleaner track record is the smarter choice, and if local consumer protection matters to you, an Australian-licensed bookmaker is safer still.
Safer alternatives
- Dafabet — licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, Curaçao, PAGCOR and the Isle of Man; strong Asian handicap and a far cleaner regulatory record. Offshore (no Australian licence), but a much better track record than 1xBet. Read our full Dafabet review →
- 22Bet — Curaçao/Kahnawake licensed, broad markets and crypto-friendly; mind the slower card withdrawals. Also offshore. Read our full 22Bet review →
If you want the protection of the Australian regime rather than an offshore book, choose an Australian-licensed bookmaker.
1xBet — frequently asked questions
Is 1xBet legal in Australia?
No — 1xBet is not licensed in Australia, where offering online betting without an Australian licence is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and the ACMA has acted to block offshore sites. You would have no local consumer protection for your A$ deposits.
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. We don’t recommend it.
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.
What’s a safer alternative to 1xBet?
Among offshore books, Dafabet and 22Bet have cleaner records — Dafabet is the closest match for Asian handicap bettors. For local consumer protection, choose an Australian-licensed bookmaker.
Gamble responsibly — 18+. Responsible gambling. Free, confidential help in Australia: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 (24/7) or self-exclude nationally at BetStop.
