A recent communication from Google has sparked new allegations in the ongoing dispute involving Sportradar, a sports data firm that experienced a significant decline in its stock value following accusations in April about its ties to illegal gambling.
These claims were brought to light by Active8Insights, a publication specializing in activist short selling. Their investigation, titled "Betting on a Takedown," suggests that an obscure web and SEO contractor has been responsible for filing numerous DMCA copyright complaints, ostensibly to make it more difficult to find information about the global operator 1xBet while also obscuring its relationship with Sportradar.
An Active8Insights representative explained, "We randomly got pulled into this situation. On August 5, we received an email from Google saying something along the lines of, ‘hey, you apparently infringed on copyright, and we are removing your link from our search index.’"
Through their findings traced via Google's notice system and the Lumen Database, Active8Insights asserts they have identified a broader trend involving copyright notices, although both 1xBet and Sportradar deny any connections to these actions.
1xBet has drawn criticism in multiple jurisdictions, facing allegations of operating in illegal or grey markets. However, the company has embarked on a campaign to enhance its image, with strategic adviser Simon Westbury asserting in April that 1xBet is "increasingly operating in licensed markets." As part of this strategy, 1xBet is focusing on expanding its portfolio of local licenses in regulated areas. Notably, in February, it announced its acquisition of a license to operate within Brazil's regulated market.
Westbury dismissed any implications that 1xBet was involved in orchestrating the takedowns, stating, "Active8Insights is clear about the limits of what it can establish and does not allege that 1xBet was responsible for the activity described. 1xBet can confirm that it had no involvement in or knowledge of that notice. We have no further comment."
Sportradar has similarly denied involvement, with a spokesperson remarking to iGB, "We did not file or commission the notice in question and have never sought the removal of such press coverage from search results. Sportradar has no relationship with, or knowledge of, anyone filing copyright takedown notices under the name Alex Gramm." They added, "Sportradar takes its compliance obligations and its reputation seriously and we will pursue every legal avenue available to us to protect both. Following the short seller reports, Sportradar's Audit Committee commissioned a third-party independent review which confirmed the company has a rigorous compliance framework in place."
The earliest relevant notice identified by Active8 was filed on November 1, 2013, regarding football analysis on a blog linked to an individual named Alex Gramm, who does not seem to have any connection to 1xBet. The pattern relating to 1xBet began to surface in October 2025, according to Active8Insights. A spokesperson for the publication pointed out that a complaint from that month indicated the sender as “Alex Gramm on behalf of 1xBet.” However, this is not proof of 1xBet’s authorization for the filing.
Active8Insights speculates that 1xBet may be attempting to rehabilitate its public image, especially as it pursues licensing and sponsorship initiatives. As they stated, "We have no evidence that 1xBet or Sportradar filed, commissioned, or knew about this notice, and we do not allege it. What we can document is what the filings did."
Further investigation revealed that the name Alex Gramm appeared on at least 12 takedown notices involving 84 URLs across approximately 68 domains. Ten of those notices are said to have served 1xBet's interests, targeting its branding, marketing materials, or related journalism. The scope of the takedown requests also included notable publications such as Gaming Intelligence and Estadão, coinciding with coverage of short-seller reports concerning Sportradar.
Both Callisto Research and Muddy Waters have raised concerns about Sportradar's connections to black and grey market operators, with Callisto estimating that about a third of Sportradar’s revenue could be linked to illicit activities. Following these allegations, Sportradar's shares fell sharply, losing approximately 20%. The company firmly rejects these accusations, emphasizing that its contracts necessitate clients have the proper licenses and comply with local laws.
As this complex controversy evolves, it has transitioned from stock market implications to legal battles. On May 18, an investor filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York against Sportradar Group AG and others, claiming securities law violations from November 7, 2024 to April 21, 2026. Meanwhile, Robbins Geller, the law firm involved, is seeking investors for a proposed class action based on these allegations.
These claims remain unproven in court, as do those from Callisto and Muddy Waters, alongside Active8Insights' conclusions relating to the takedown notices. However, the documentation hints at possible attempts to suppress information regarding 1xBet and Sportradar from the public eye.
