1xBet Closes its UK site Following the Sunday Times’ Revelations

16.08.2019, 12:38

The UK-facing site of the sports betting brand 1xBet has remained closed since Friday with The Sunday Times’ revelations helping the regulator to launch an investigation. On Sunday, The Sunday Times reported that UKGC had launched an investigation on the operations of 1xBet.

Since Friday, the online gambling operator’s UK site has been showing a splash screen reading ‘this site is currently not available.’ Since its inception in the UK, 1xBet has partnered with FSB Tech under a white-label deal for the platform.

With the incident, FSB was quick to assure the consumers that they wouldn’t lose their money. The situation has made FSB anticipate reviewing its relationship with the beleaguered online gambling operator. Besides, FSB clarified to the media how they had always adhered to the UK’s regulatory laws.

The Sunday Times had alleged that 1xBet featured betting markets offering cockfights and under-19 athletic races. The gambling operator is also facing a probe for advertisements made on video-file sharing sites. UKGC, which issues a license to an operator in the UK had prohibited the latter claims in 2016.

Pornhub Casino on 1xBet

The giant media house also exposed what it described as ‘pornhub casino’ as another violation 1xBet had been undertaking. The accusation came in the light that the betting firm had incorporated the use of female cartoon character dealers with an uncovered chest in the casino.

While speaking to the Times, 1xBet spokesperson blamed the “third-parties and other partners” for the alleged violation. He promised that 1xBet would “immediately” launch a probe on how the firm’s ads ended up on “prohibited sites.”

The ongoing probe has brought confusion over the future of high-profile deals 1xBet made with key European clubs. Some of sponsored teams of the gambling operator include Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs earlier.

The Times exposé comes in the wake of reports showing a massive 5000% increase in gambling complaints from customers. This might have played a role in the investigation that UKGC has conducted.

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