A long-established Russian-founded sportsbook that exited the UK in 2022 amid geopolitical conflict concerns
Visit Marathonbet →Marathonbet welcome bonus in Russia
Here is the current Marathonbet welcome offer for players in Russia, where Marathonbet is licensed to operate. Bonus terms change and are set by Marathonbet for each market — always confirm the live offer on its own site. See every licensed betting site in Russia →
Pros
- Nearly three decades of sportsbook experience since 1997
- Historically deep sports markets and competitive odds
- Regulated presence in Spain, Denmark, Italy and Nigeria's Edo State
- Established brand with a long operating history
Cons
- Surrendered its UK Gambling Commission licence and exited the UK in April 2022
- Now operates under a lower-tier Curacao licence rather than top-tier regulation
- Russian corporate origins raise geopolitical trust considerations
- Payment method details not fully confirmed in available research
Our verdict
Marathonbet has a long history as a well-regarded sportsbook, founded in Russia in 1997 and moving online in 2002, historically known for deep sports markets and competitive odds. However, its trust profile has weakened significantly: after entering the UK in 2015, Marathonbet surrendered its UK Gambling Commission licence and shut down its UK website entirely in April 2022, explicitly citing 'events in Europe' — widely understood as a reference to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the brand's Russian corporate origins. It now operates under a Curacao eGaming licence, a considerably lower regulatory tier, alongside licences in Spain, Denmark, Italy, Belarus and Nigeria's Edo State. This is a real, documented shift away from top-tier regulation that should factor heavily into any trust assessment. If you're in one of its currently supported markets and comfortable with the geopolitical context and Curacao-tier regulation, the underlying sportsbook product remains competent — but the 2022 UK exit is a significant red flag worth knowing about.
How we rated it
Sportsbook & odds (25%)8
Historically well-regarded for deep sports markets and competitive odds, backed by nearly three decades of operating experience.
Bonuses & value (15%)7
Competitive offers within its current supported markets.
Mobile & UX (10%)6.8
Established product across its remaining markets, though reduced in scope since the 2022 UK exit.
Customer support (10%)6.8
Long operating history since 1997, though the 2022 market exit signals real operational disruption.
Payments & payouts (20%)6.5
Payment method details not fully confirmed in available research — worth checking directly on the operator's local site.
Trust & licensing (20%)4.5
Currently operates under a Curacao eGaming licence after surrendering its UK Gambling Commission licence and shutting down its UK operation in April 2022, citing 'events in Europe' amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict — a significant, documented trust and geopolitical-risk factor given its Russian corporate roots.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1997, in Russia; online since 2002; entered UK 2015 |
| Owner | Panbet N.V. (Curacao) |
| Licensing | Curacao eGaming (current); previously UK Gambling Commission (surrendered 2022); also Spain (DGOJ), Denmark, Italy, Belarus, Edo State Nigeria |
| Regulatory history | Shut down UK operations April 2022, citing 'events in Europe' amid Russia-Ukraine conflict |
| Sports | Historically deep sports markets and competitive odds |
| Casino | Casino product alongside the sportsbook |
| Markets | Historically strong in Russia/CIS; expanded to Spain, Italy; UK market exited 2022 |
| Notable | Nearly three decades of operating history, but with a significant 2022 disruption |
Where Marathonbet is licensed
Marathonbet appears on the official register in 7 countries. Highlighted countries have a full local review — pick yours for its welcome bonus and licence details.
About Marathonbet
Marathonbet is a sportsbook and casino founded in 1997 in Russia, moving online in 2002 and entering the UK market in 2015. It is operated by Panbet N.V. (Curacao). In April 2022, Marathonbet surrendered its UK Gambling Commission licence and shut down its UK website entirely, citing 'events in Europe' — widely understood as a reference to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the brand's Russian corporate roots. It now operates under a Curacao eGaming licence, alongside regulated presence in Spain, Denmark, Italy, Belarus and Edo State, Nigeria. Historically, Marathonbet was well-regarded for its deep sports markets and competitive odds, built up over nearly three decades of operating experience.
Marathonbet FAQ
Is Marathonbet safe and legit?
Marathonbet currently operates under a Curacao eGaming licence after surrendering its UK Gambling Commission licence and shutting down its UK operation in April 2022, citing 'events in Europe' amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is a significant, documented shift away from top-tier regulation worth weighing carefully.
Why did Marathonbet leave the UK?
Marathonbet shut down its UK website in April 2022, citing 'events in Europe' — widely understood to reference the Russia-Ukraine conflict, given the brand's Russian corporate origins.
Which countries does Marathonbet operate in?
Marathonbet currently holds regulated presence in Spain, Denmark, Italy, Belarus and Edo State, Nigeria, alongside its Curacao eGaming licence.
How long has Marathonbet been operating?
Marathonbet was founded in 1997 in Russia and moved online in 2002, giving it nearly three decades of operating history, though with a significant disruption when it exited the UK market in 2022.
What is the Marathonbet welcome bonus?
Marathonbet offers a welcome bonus that varies by market. Always check the current offer on Marathonbet's own local site.