Get to know 8XBET, a Casino Platform full of Controversy

2025-07-07

In the ever-evolving landscape of online gambling, brands appear and vanish with dizzying speed.

Yet few have made as dramatic an entrance and exit as 8XBET, a company that once boasted sponsorship deals with top football clubs and major visibility in Asia's online betting scene.

Known for its glitzy branding and ambitious partnerships, the platform's sudden disappearance has raised eyebrows across the industry. What exactly happened to 8XBET? And what can we learn from its rapid rise and fall?

The Rise of 8XBET

Launched with aspirations to dominate the Asian gambling market, 8XBET first came into mainstream focus in 2022 when it became the official Asian betting partner of Manchester City, one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.

The company also appointed former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham as its brand ambassador, a move intended to lend the platform credibility and prestige among sports fans.

8xbet and Teddy Sheringham.webp

At its peak, 8XBET's name was splashed across digital billboards, social media campaigns, and football broadcasts. It seemed destined for success, leveraging major sponsorships to boost legitimacy and expand its user base.

Troubling Questions Behind the Scenes

Despite its glamorous appearance, 8XBET's operations soon raised red flags. Investigative reports found very little verified information about its top executives, including its founder Ryan Li and CEO Trinh Thu Trang.

Trang's LinkedIn profile reportedly used a stock image, prompting questions about the company's authenticity. The profile was later deleted, only intensifying suspicions.

While 8XBET held a UK Gambling Commission license via TGP Europe, this status has since been revoked. The company's UK website is now inactive, suggesting that it no longer has the regulatory backing to operate within the UK or sponsor British teams.

Even more concerning was the fact that the company appeared to operate out of Dubai, a country where gambling is illegal.

The legality of this arrangement has never been fully clarified and adds another layer of mystery to the brand's already shadowy operations.

Sponsorships and Ethical Concerns

Football clubs often enter into sponsorship deals with gambling companies due to the lucrative payouts involved.

But in 8XBET’s case, its ties to Manchester City triggered backlash. Critics questioned how such a high-profile club could align itself with a brand lacking transparency.

The Premier League reportedly investigated the partnership amid financial and regulatory concerns, although the findings were never publicly released.

Some believe the deal was more about short-term profits than a sustainable, ethical partnership. The incident highlights the increasing pressure on sports organizations to vet sponsors more thoroughly.

The Mysterious Disappearance

By late 2024, signs of trouble became apparent. 8XBET's websites began to go offline, its social media channels fell silent, and the brand virtually vanished.

Insiders have speculated on several possible causes:

Regulatory pressure may have forced the company to shut down operations to avoid prosecution.
Internal mismanagement or financial disputes could have rendered the business unsustainable.
Strategic exit: Some believe 8XBET was never meant to be a long-term project, fitting the mold of "pump and vanish" gambling platforms.

Regulatory Complications

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has been tight-lipped regarding its dealings with 8XBET.

A Freedom of Information request submitted in November 2023 asked whether the Commission had been contacted by Australian authorities regarding investigations into 8XBET.

The Commission neither confirmed nor denied holding such information, citing Section 31 of the FOIA (Law Enforcement).

Their response emphasized the need to protect potential investigations and maintain stakeholder trust, adding that premature disclosures could hinder regulatory efforts or unfairly damage reputations.

Lessons from the 8XBET Collapse

The fall of 8XBET is a cautionary tale for regulators, sports clubs, and users. It underscores the urgent need for:

Stricter vetting procedures in gambling sponsorships.
Increased transparency from operators.
Better cross-border regulatory cooperation.

It also highlights how digital branding and high-profile endorsements can mask underlying issues, misleading users and stakeholders into believing in the legitimacy of a flawed operation.

Conclusion

8XBET’s story—from its meteoric rise to its mysterious collapse—offers critical insight into the vulnerabilities of the online gambling ecosystem.

While the platform promised prestige and global reach, its legacy may ultimately be one of controversy, regulatory evasion, and unanswered questions.

As online casino or gambling continues to grow, the industry must place greater emphasis on transparency, ethical partnerships, and international regulatory oversight to protect users and uphold credibility.

FAQ

What is 8XBET?

8XBET was an online gambling platform and former sponsor of Manchester City. It gained popularity in Asia but has since gone offline amid controversy.

Who were the people behind 8XBET?

The platform was reportedly founded by Ryan Li and led by CEO Trinh Thu Trang, although little verifiable information exists about either figure.

Why is 8XBET controversial?

8XBET raised concerns due to its lack of transparency, operations from Dubai (where gambling is illegal), and the mysterious disappearance of its platforms and license.