Monrovia—1xBet, one of Liberia’s newest betting companies, has found itself entangled in legal and regulatory challenges since its arrival in the country.
By: Jaheim T. Tumu. [email protected]
The sports betting company initially entered the Liberian market under the name Lipay Bet, reportedly obtaining a license from the National Lottery Authority (NLA). However, shortly after acquiring the license, the company rebranded as 1xBet.
An investigation revealed that while Lipay Bet (now 1xBet) secured a license for sports betting, it did not have approval to operate slot gaming. Despite this, 1xBet has been actively promoting slot gaming on its website, violating national gaming laws. This illegal activity sparked widespread controversy, leading to customer dissatisfaction, unpaid winnings, and eventually, legal challenges.
The situation worsened when numerous customers lodged complaints against 1xBet, accusing the company of failing to pay winnings as promised. These allegations triggered a legal battle, with customers seeking justice. The Liberian civil courts took action by ordering the shutdown of 1xBet’s head office, located at Broad and Center Streets in Monrovia, due to the company’s inability to meet its financial obligations.
The head office remains closed under court orders, leaving many customers in limbo as they await payment of their winnings. Sources suggest that the situation has raised concerns among stakeholders, some of whom are demanding their shares to distance themselves from the troubled company.
A letter in possession of FrontPageAfrica—issued by the NLA on September 16, 2024, under reference number DGNLA-115/2024—strongly addressed 1xBet’s violation of gaming regulation 001, specifically Section 7.1.1. The NLA accused 1xBet of failing to notify them of the closure of its operational offices for several weeks, a direct breach of their licensing agreement.
In response to these violations, the NLA ordered the immediate shutdown of 1xBet’s online platform and mandated the removal of all billboards and radio advertisements promoting the brand.
“The company has blatantly disregarded the rules set forth by the NLA, and we cannot allow such breaches to continue unchecked,” the NLA stated in the letter. “These violations are serious, and we will ensure that justice is served.”
The controversy surrounding 1xBet extends beyond Liberia. Globally, the company has faced numerous allegations of money laundering and financial crimes. Its operations have been suspended or banned in several countries, including the UK, Russia, and Somalia. These developments have further damaged 1xBet’s reputation, raising concerns about its long-term viability in Liberia.
As legal and regulatory challenges continue to mount, the future of 1xBet in Liberia remains uncertain. The NLA has emphasized that they will not tolerate any deviations from their strict gaming regulations, and the courts’ involvement signals a broader effort to bring the company into compliance.
The shutdown of 1xBet’s operations marks a significant moment in the regulation of Liberia’s gambling industry. The NLA’s actions reflect a determination to enforce gaming laws and protect public interests. However, until these issues are resolved, Liberian customers are left waiting for answers and, more importantly, for the payment of their rightful winnings.
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