Sports betting is a multi-billion-dollar industry, but behind the flashing lights and promises of easy money lies a hidden underworld of deception.
In recent years, shady betting companies have found a clever way to bypass regulations and continue their operations through mirror sites—duplicate versions of their main website that allow them to evade bans, deceive users, and rake in massive profits.
How gambling companies exploit mirror domains
A mirror site is essentially a clone of an existing betting website, hosted on a different domain. Companies create dozens – sometimes even hundreds – of these mirrors to ensure they remain accessible even when regulators try to shut them down.
Why do they do this?
- Evade regulation: Governments and gambling commissions regularly block illegal or unlicensed betting sites. When one gets banned, the company simply redirects users to a new domain.
- SEO and ad manipulation: More domains mean more search engine presence, allowing these companies to dominate the online gambling market and attract unsuspecting bettors.
- Affiliate and referral loopholes: Many of these sites exist solely to capture affiliate commissions, misleading users into thinking they are signing up through legitimate sources.
- Phishing and fraud risks: Users might unknowingly enter personal and financial details on a fake version of the site, opening themselves up to scams and identity theft.
One of the most infamous cases of gambling companies using mirror domains is 1xBet, a company that built an empire by aggressively bypassing laws through hundreds of duplicate sites.
1xBet’s tactics were so successful that they made millions in revenue, eventually becoming a global sponsor of FC Barcelona. But despite their rise to legitimacy, their past was riddled with controversy:
- They were banned in Russia but continued to operate through mirror sites.
Even after being blacklisted in multiple countries, they continued to thrive simply by shifting users to a new domain each time one was blocked.
20Bet and MostBet’s expanding mirror network
But 1xBet isn’t alone. Recent investigations have revealed that newer betting companies are using the same shady tactics.
- 20Bet has over 100 active domains, many of which are identical mirrors/referrals of each other.
- MostBet has over 40 mirror sites, ensuring that they can never be completely shut down.
This extensive network allows them to:
- Dodge regulatory action and continue operating in countries where they are banned.
- Flood search engines and ad networks, making it difficult for users to distinguish legitimate operators from scams.
- Run deceptive marketing campaigns, promising risk-free bets and bonuses that are often impossible to claim.
The real danger: How users get trapped
Imagine this scenario: A football fan eager to bet on an upcoming match searches for a reliable betting site. They click on a paid ad for 20Bet, promising a “100% Risk-Free Bet Up to $500.”
- They sign up and deposit money on what appears to be the official site.
- They win their first bet and try to withdraw—but the site suddenly disappears.
- They find another 20Bet domain and try logging in—only to realize their credentials don’t work. They’ve been scammed.
Because so many duplicate domains exist, it’s nearly impossible for users to track where their money is actually going – or whether the site they’re on is real at all.
How to protect yourself from betting scams
With the rise of mirror sites, it’s more important than ever to be cautious when engaging in online sports betting. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Check for proper licensing: Legitimate betting companies should be licensed by recognized authorities like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority.
- Avoid too-good-to-be-true promotions: If a site is offering unrealistic bonuses or “guaranteed” wins, it’s likely a scam.
- Use trusted sources for links: Don’t click on ads or promotional links. Instead, visit the official websites of reputable gambling regulators.
- Be wary of multiple domains: If a betting company has dozens of different URLs, it’s a major red flag.
- Research before depositing: Look up reviews and complaints from other users before signing up for any site.
Final thoughts: A dangerous game of cat and mouse
The sports betting industry continues to grow, but its darker side remains hidden beneath layers of deception. Companies like 1xBet, 20Bet, and MostBet have found ways to outmanoeuvre regulators and keep the money flowing—often at the expense of unsuspecting bettors.
The fact that one of the world’s most controversial gambling companies (1xBet) went from running mirror sites to sponsoring FC Barcelona should serve as a wake-up call. These companies are not just skirting the law – they are thriving because of it.
Until regulators find a way to effectively combat these tactics, sports bettors must remain vigilant. If something seems off, it probably is. And in the world of online gambling, a single wrong move could mean the difference between a big win and losing everything.
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