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 But it carries serious, well-documented baggage — its UK licence was revoked, it’s banned in several major countries, its founders face international arrest warrants, and it has a record of disputed and unpaid winnings. On top of that, for Singapore readers it is — like every offshore book — illegal to use here under the Remote Gambling Act, where only Singapore Pools is licensed. For most readers we can’t recommend it; here’s the full, sourced picture and the legal alternative. (21+ for online betting in Singapore. Gamble responsibly.)
Is it legal to use 1xBet in Singapore?
No, on two counts. First, the Singapore-specific one: under the Remote Gambling Act (now part of the Gambling Control Act 2022, enforced by the Gambling Regulatory Authority), Singapore Pools is the only licensed operator for online sports betting, Toto and 4D, and for legal betting on overseas horse racing after the Singapore Turf Club’s final Kranji race. 1xBet has no Singapore licence, the GRA blocks offshore sites and their payments, and using a VPN to reach one doesn’t make it lawful. Second, 1xBet’s own conduct record (below) means it would be a poor choice even in markets where offshore betting is permitted. If you want a legal bet in Singapore, that is Singapore Pools, full stop.
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.
Should you use 1xBet?
For a reader in Singapore the answer is straightforward: no — it’s unlicensed here and blocked, and Singapore Pools is the legal route. More broadly, even where 1xBet holds a genuine local licence players 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 — a properly licensed operator with a cleaner track record is the smarter choice everywhere.
The legal option in Singapore — and cleaner offshore names
For a legal bet in Singapore on football (the EPL, the 2026 World Cup), Formula 1 around the Singapore Grand Prix, or overseas horse racing, the only licensed operator is Singapore Pools, which uses local rails like PayNow and NETS and settles in SGD (S$). If you are researching the offshore brands people compare against 1xBet (from markets that permit them), these two have far cleaner records and are reviewed honestly on this site, with the legality caveat applied throughout:
- 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 it legal to use 1xBet in Singapore?
No. Singapore Pools is the only operator licensed under the Remote Gambling Act / Gambling Control Act for online sports betting in Singapore; 1xBet is offshore, unlicensed and blocked here. For a legal bet, use Singapore Pools.
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.
What’s a safer alternative to 1xBet?
In Singapore, the legal route is Singapore Pools. Among offshore brands (in markets that permit them), Dafabet and 22Bet have cleaner records; Dafabet is the closest match for Asian-handicap bettors.
Gamble responsibly — 21+ for online betting in Singapore. Responsible gambling. Need to talk to someone? National Problem Gambling Helpline 1800-6-668-668 (daily 8am–11pm) · ncpg.org.sg.
