Investigate Europe has revealed a network of betting websites operating without the necessary licenses across Europe. In spite of a string of lawsuits and fines, a lot attract millions of visits every month.
Felix thinks he gambled away €400,000 over three years at the height of this addiction. The 50-something-year-old German remembers that he spent every free minute on his mobile phone. He would play on the way to the park with his little girl in his hand. That’s how sick it was.
His divorce and feelings of loneliness have fueled the habit. He took out nine loans and cancelled his pension plans after squandering the proceeds from his house sale.
He claims one online casino specifically preyed on his illness. Felix (not his real name) lost €245,000 on Wazamba in just six months. Wazamba is a website that granted him VIP status. It is a loyalty programme where high spenders get a personal manager.
He says he could play and then call them to get some money back to continue playing, they always give you credit straight away. Those who run these casinos have stolen his life.
Investigate Europe can reveal that Wazamba is part of a vast network of blacklisted gambling sites connected to Soft2Bet. It is an award-winning betting group headquartered between Malta and Cyprus. The company denied any wrongdoing in a statement sent to Investigate Europe.
The statement said they operate in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and licensing conditions in every authorized jurisdiction.
Soft2bet itself is not a betting platform. A visit to its well-curated website shows a business that offers technology solutions to multibillion-euro gambling industry of Europe. It also operates a modest portfolio of five betting brands.
