Platform 1Win, which operates as a bookmaker and online casino, continues to work in Ukraine without a license. Despite the elimination of gambling regulation, 1win remains accessible to Ukrainian users, violating national legislation. Moreover, the platform has close ties with Russia and is under investigation in Kazakhstan because of suspicion of money laundering.
How does 1win continue to work in Ukraine?
According to the Ukrainian Law “On State Regulation of Activities on Organization and Gaming Gaming”, all gambling operators should be licensed by downs. 1Win did not receive such a license, which makes its activity illegal. However, the Casino site remains available thanks to VPN and Mirrors - alternative domains that the company regularly updates. The official site even has instructions on how to bypass the blocking, which indicates a conscious violation of the Ukrainian legislation.
Connections with Russia: Hidden threats
Despite the official registration for Kurayao, 1win has noticeable ties with the Russian market. Among the contact data of the company you can find a Russian phone number, and the marketing of the platform is focused on the Russian -language audience. In Russia itself, 1Win works without a license of the federal tax service, avoiding regulation due to the same "mirrors" and VPN.
In March 2025, the Russian media reported on increasing the fight against illegal online casinos, but 1Win did not fall under serious sanctions. This may indicate possible shadow arrangements or loyalty of Russian regulators to the platform.
Investigation in Kazakhstan: Suspicion of money laundering
Since January 2025, the Kazakh police have been investigating the activities of illegal online casinos, including 1Win. The country's authorities search for persons related to the platform because of suspicion of money laundering and tax evasion. The popularity of 1win in Kazakhstan has increased due to the possibility of bypassing blocking through VPN, but this has only attracted more attention of law enforcement agencies. It is reported that the Kazakh authorities cooperate with international partners to trace the company's financial flows.
Why is it dangerous for Ukraine?
- Financial losses for the state. The lack of a license means that Ukraine does not receive tax revenues from the activity of a platform that can reach millions of hryvnias.
- Lack of protection for players. Ukrainian users 1win remain disenfranchised before the law: their personal data and funds can be vulnerable to fraud.
- It is possible to finance the aggressor country. Relations 1Win with Russia are concerned, as platform revenues can indirectly support the economy of the Russian Federation.
- Risks to cybersecurity. In 2024, hackers broke the 1win database, stopping the personal information of users, which jeopardize Ukrainian players.
Who is standing for 1win?
The brand owner is MFI Investments Limited , registered in the United Kingdom (Wales). It is an investment company that deals with asset management, including securities, bonds and real estate. Its assets are estimated at more than £ 1 billion. Although 1Win works under the license of Kurayao (No. 8048/Jaz 2018-040), MFI is engaged in the development and promotion of the brand. According to the Cyprus Register of Companies, the director is Christiana Georgiou , who is probably a nominal person.
Conclusions
1Win is not just an online casino, but a large-scale international business with a dubious reputation. Its activity in Ukraine is illegal, the platform uses shadow schemes for work, and connections with Russia and the search in Kazakhstan add even more questions. Despite numerous violations, 1win continues to function using gaps in Ukrainian legislation.
Given the risks that the platform for the financial security of Ukraine and its citizens, it is necessary to strengthen the fight against illegal gambling operators and to create effective mechanisms for blocking such resources. This is the only way to reduce the impact of illegal casino and protect the interests of Ukrainians.
