In a world where the legal gambling industry masquerades as entertainment, and billions of dirty euros are hidden behind sleek offices in Malta and Cyprus, one of Europe’s largest illegal gambling networks thrives. Its name is Soft2Bet, and its founder, Uri Poliavich, has built a system that circumvents laws, manipulates regulators, and destroys the lives of thousands.
The Offshore Gambling King
Uri Poliavich, an Israeli businessman, began his gambling career in Kyrgyzstan. Through intricate schemes, he transformed Soft2Bet into more than just a technology provider for casinos—it became a shadow corporation controlling over 140 gambling sites, most of which are banned in Europe.
His business was built on shell companies in Curaçao, such as Rabidi N.V. and Araxio Development. These entities obtained cheap licenses that didn’t grant rights to operate in Europe, but that didn’t deter them. When courts demanded refunds for defrauded players, these companies vanished—declaring bankruptcy while assets were swiftly moved offshore.
For instance, in 2023, a German court ordered Rabidi to return €245,000 to a player who lost money on Wazamba. By the time the ruling was enforced, the company was an empty shell—funds had disappeared without a trace.
How the Deception Machine Operates
- Money Laundering Through Real Estate and Luxury
Poliavich didn’t just hide money offshore—he invested in luxury. His wealth includes:
- Apartments in Cyprus, Prague, and Sofia
- Luxury cars (Mercedes G63 AMG, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus LX570) totaling over €1.3 million
- Real estate in Panama, registered under his partner, Ukrainian national Denys Butko
- Evading Blocks: A Cat-and-Mouse Game with Regulators
When one site was blocked (like Boomerang in Italy), it swiftly moved to a new domain. Over recent years, the network changed more than 550 domain names, utilizing exotic jurisdictions like Anjouan (Comoros), where a license costs just $5,000 and requires no audit.
- Recruiting Players via Social Media and Twitch
Soft2Bet actively employed streamers on Twitch to attract young individuals. In Spain, regulators discovered that sites like MyEmpire Casino offered “free bonuses” in video games, which later turned into real bets.
Human Tragedies: Lives Destroyed by Gambling
Felix (Germany): “They stole my life”
After a divorce, Felix became addicted to Wazamba casino. His “VIP manager” deliberately extended him credit to keep him playing. The result—nine loans, a canceled pension, and lifelong debt.
Anonymous Player (Finland): “I think about suicide 9 days out of 10”
During the pandemic, he lost €120,000 on House of Spades. When he tried to delete his account, he was offered a “€50 bonus” to return.
Story from Italy: How Boomerang Circumvented Bans
Despite being illegal in Italy, the Boomerang site managed to become an official sponsor of AC Milan. This, even though it was banned in Italy itself!
Why Can’t Anyone Stop Soft2Bet?
- The EU lacks a unified policy on gambling—each country decides how to combat illegals.
- Offshore jurisdictions (Curaçao, Anjouan) remain unpunished—they continue to sell licenses without audits.
- The gambling industry’s lobby blocks strict laws.
Soft2Bet is not just a business. It’s organized crime under the guise of legal gambling. And as long as the money flows and regulators look the other way, this empire will continue to destroy lives.
- Exploiting Legal Loopholes and Regulatory Gaps
Soft2Bet capitalizes on the fragmented regulatory landscape of the European Union. The absence of harmonized EU-level legislation allows operators like Soft2Bet to exploit inconsistencies in national laws, shifting operations and assets across borders with impunity. In 2024, it was estimated that up to 70% of online betting in the EU was channeled through unlicensed operators, with Soft2Bet being a significant player in this black market.
- Sophisticated Corporate Structures to Obscure Ownership
Investigations have revealed that Soft2Bet employs intricate corporate formations to conceal its association with blacklisted platforms. By utilizing shell companies registered in jurisdictions like Curaçao, Cyprus, and the Marshall Islands, Soft2Bet effectively distances itself from direct accountability. For instance, entities like Rabidi N.V. and Araxio Development were used to manage operations, and when legal actions loomed, these entities were declared bankrupt, leaving victims without recourse.
- Leveraging Malta’s Legal Shield
Soft2Bet exploits Maltese legislation, notably Bill 55, which voids EU court judgments against Maltese-registered firms. This legal shield allows Soft2Bet to avoid paying fines and evading enforcement actions from other EU countries. For example, Spain imposed a €5 million penalty against Rabidi, but due to Malta’s protective laws, the fine remains unpaid.
The Soft2Bet case underscores the urgent need for cohesive international cooperation and harmonized legislation in the realm of online gambling to prevent such abuses in the future.