Investigate Europe: influencers promote unlicensed Soft2Bet casinos
According to an investigation by Investigate Europe, based in part on invoices, screenshots, and internal correspondence provided by a whistleblower, popular content creators on YouTube and Twitch in seven European countries are promoting unlicensed online casinos linked to Soft2Bet.
Promotion of illegal gambling on social media
Journalists found that well-known influencers are directing millions of users to casino websites that do not hold licenses in European Union countries.
The streamers and bloggers involved are based in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Poland, and Sweden.
Use of promotional balances
According to the investigation, many streamers gamble using promotional balances provided by casinos, with no option to withdraw funds.
This creates a distorted perception of winning chances for viewers, who then replicate the influencers’ actions using their own money.
The role of Soft2Bet and affiliate programmes
Investigate Europe linked the operations of several unlicensed websites to the European company Soft2Bet, which provides software solutions for the gambling industry.
Journalists had previously pointed to Soft2Bet’s connection to more than 100 online casinos that were blacklisted by regulators for lacking local licenses.
The 247 Partners affiliate programme
The investigation mentions the 247 Partners affiliate programme, which is linked to Soft2Bet.
Its terms include payments ranging from €64 to €120 per referred player depending on the country, as well as up to 60% revenue share.
Some contracts reviewed by journalists provided for a fixed payment of €100 per registration and up to 40% of a player’s losses.
Traffic volumes and audience engagement
Examples of influencers
Those identified in the scheme include:
Snik — a Greek rapper with nearly 600 million views on YouTube and 130,000 subscribers on Twitch.
Llobeti4 — a Spanish blogger with a combined 2.2 million followers on YouTube and Twitch.
TonyTubo — an Italian casino streamer with 400,000 subscribers on YouTube.
Spike (Karlo Carlini) — an Italian streamer who regularly promoted unlicensed websites.
Numeiro — a Portuguese influencer with an audience of more than 1.5 million people.
Web analytics data
According to web analytics data, TonyTubo’s website redirected users to Soft2Bet websites more than 10,000 times in December 2025 alone.
The investigation also found that streamers earn income directly linked to their audience’s losses.
Reaction from platforms and regulators
After being contacted by Investigate Europe, YouTube removed Spike’s channel and several videos from Llobeti4.
Twitch temporarily blocked the Spanish blogger’s channel, which was later restored without content.
The European Commission said it took the findings very seriously and reminded platforms of the requirements of the Digital Services Act, which obliges them to combat illegal content.
Neither Soft2Bet nor 247 Partners, nor most of the influencers mentioned, responded to journalists’ requests for comment.
Risks for users
Unlicensed casinos do not provide player protection, are not subject to national oversight, and can expose users to financial losses.
Industry estimates suggest that such websites now account for up to 70% of the EU online gambling market.
Regulators stress that promotion of these platforms by popular bloggers increases engagement and heightens risks for vulnerable audiences.