Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, has reignited debate over ethics, as well as accountability in online gambling. This is after appearing to sign a promotional agreement with Duel.com, a crypto casino.
Affiliate footage shows Tate training for his upcoming Misfits Boxing fights against Chase Demoor while wearing Duel-branded gear. The casino’s logo also appears in video teasers for the December 20 bout. On November 7, Tate shared the link Duel.com/tate on X, which appears to be an affiliate URL. He did so without offering any comment. Later, though it has yet to release an official statement, Duel.com reposted the tweet of Tate from its verified account.
The casino’s decision to partner with a figure facing ongoing human-trafficking and rape charges in Romania and the United Kingdom has drawn widespread criticism. The move has sparked backlash across the industry.
PR consultant and co-founder of ESG iGaming, Brandie E. Black, asked in a statement to Casino.org, “Is this really the industry we want to work within, an industry that praises toxic masculinity? I am so glad no to be the daughter, wife or sister of any of these so-called men who think this ‘marketing’ move is ‘cool, bro.'”
Tate has more than 10 million followers on X. He has built his brand on promoting what he calls “traditional masculinity”. Nevertheless, many people widely criticize him for his misogynistic remarks. As Tate recently declared gambling to be haram after converting to Islam in 2022, his involvement with a crypto casino has also drawn inspection from Muslim followers.
The collaboration has also raised questions about the regulatory standing of Duel.com. The company holds its license on Anjouan, a small autonomous island in the Comoros known for having one of the world’s least stringent licensing regimes. Duel promotes itself as “the first casino that gives a fuck” and is owned by Finnish entrepreneur Ossi “Monarch” Ketola. He previously ran a skin-gambling site as a teenager. He is now a professional poker player with almost $5 million in tournament earnings.
