In this post, I will talk about Uri Poliavich — rise, empire and innovation.
The story of Uri Poliavich begins in Soviet-era Ukraine, where he was born in 1981—a period marked by uncertainty and economic hardship. His early years were shaped by the realities of a society in transition. At the age of 14, his life took a decisive turn when his family emigrated to Israel. There, he completed his high school education and performed the mandatory three-year military service, an experience that often instills discipline and resilience in young Israelis.
After completing his military service, Uri Poliavich turned his attention to higher education. Between 2005 and 2009, he attended the Faculty of Law at Bar-Ilan University, earning a Bachelor of Laws degree. His youth was a blend of adaptation, determination, and ambition—changing countries, fulfilling military obligations, and pursuing a rigorous legal education. All these experiences laid the foundation for the mindset that would later define his business career.
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From Law to Business: The Beginning of His Career
Poliavich’s professional foundation was in the legal field. Between 2007 and 2010, he worked as a legal intern at HBW Law, where he was exposed to large-scale international mergers, acquisitions, and real estate transactions. However, it soon became clear that the corporate world attracted him more than the courtroom.
His transition into business began at WK Group, where he became Vice President for Business Development. Operating in Central Asia, he collaborated with major iGaming industry giants such as Microgaming, BetConstruct, and Playtech. This period provided his first real immersion into the rapidly expanding online gambling industry.
In 2012, he and his family moved to Moldova, where he took on consulting roles for Playtech and leadership positions within IMS Limited. His responsibilities included operations, customer support, finance, and marketing. By 2016, Poliavich had gained a deep understanding of both the commercial and regulatory aspects of the online gaming sector.
Founding Soft2Bet — Building a Global iGaming Empire
In 2016, Poliavich took the step that would define his future: he founded Soft2Bet. What began as a modest initiative quickly evolved into a major player in the global iGaming industry.
Under his leadership, Soft2Bet expanded aggressively:
- It obtained gaming licenses in more than a dozen jurisdictions.
- It opened offices in Malta and Cyprus.
- It became a sizable international employer.
One of the company’s hallmark innovations was MEGA, a gamification platform designed to make the user experience more engaging and interactive. The idea reflected Poliavich’s belief that gaming should not be merely transactional, but experiential.
In 2024, he launched Soft2Bet Invest, a multi-million-euro fund aimed at supporting startups and emerging technologies within the gaming ecosystem. By then, the company’s financial performance was remarkable; in 2023, Soft2Bet reported significant profits, and Poliavich received a substantial dividend.
The industry took notice of these achievements. In 2024, he received the “Leader of the Year” award at the SBC Awards, and in 2025 he was named “Executive of the Year” at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA. He was also listed among the most influential Jewish leaders worldwide.
From a small startup, Soft2Bet became a multinational operator—a symbol of Poliavich’s entrepreneurial ambition.
Philanthropy and the Yael Foundation
Beyond business, Poliavich has been deeply involved in philanthropy. In 2020, together with his wife, Yael, he founded the Yael Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to strengthening Jewish education worldwide.
The foundation supports programs in more than 35 countries, reaching tens of thousands of children through day schools, kindergartens, summer camps, and community initiatives. For Poliavich, the mission is personal. Raised in a Soviet environment where Jewish life was restricted, he has often spoken about his desire for young Jews around the world to have access to identity, heritage, and culture—things that were largely absent from his own childhood.
Recognition and Public Reputation
In many industry circles, Poliavich is described as a dynamic, forward-looking executive—an innovator who embraces technology and social responsibility. Under his leadership, Soft2Bet is seen as an agile, modern, and ambitious company.
In interviews, Poliavich often speaks of success as the result of hunger for achievement, perseverance, creativity, and the desire to build something lasting. His public image combines entrepreneurial confidence with a story of personal transformation.
Shadows Over Success: Allegations, Criticism, and Controversies
However, the story of Uri Poliavich is not without controversy. In recent years, various publications and watchdog organizations have released reports raising serious questions about him and Soft2Bet.
According to these accounts:
- The company has allegedly been connected to over 140 gambling websites, some operating without proper licenses in several European countries and even appearing on blacklists.
- Soft2Bet’s corporate network allegedly involves offshore entities in jurisdictions such as Cyprus, Malta, Curaçao, Dubai, and the Marshall Islands, generating suspicions regarding lack of transparency and regulatory avoidance.
- Critics claim the firm may have used aggressive strategies to suppress negative articles, including pressure for retractions or questionable content removal requests.
- Some analysts suggest that the Yael Foundation, while carrying out genuine charitable activities, may also function as a tool to mitigate public criticism.
These allegations have fueled broader debates about online gambling regulation, corporate ethics, and the relationship between philanthropy and profit in a controversial sector.
A Polarizing Legacy: Innovation vs. Ethics
Poliavich’s public image is marked by a clear contrast.
On one hand, he is seen as:
- an ambitious immigrant who built a global business from scratch,
- an innovator dedicated to technology,
- a philanthropist supporting Jewish identity and education.
On the other hand, there are:
- allegations of operating unlicensed platforms,
- concerns over offshore structures,
- criticism regarding media suppression,
- ethical doubts about the social impact of the gambling industry.
Why Understanding Uri Poliavich’s Story Matters
Poliavich’s story highlights the complexity of a world in which businesses grow faster than regulations. It raises questions about:
- how global companies operate within fragmented legal frameworks,
- the delicate boundary between innovation and exploitation,
- the role of philanthropy in softening the image of a controversial industry,
- transparency, accountability, and ethics in the age of offshore corporations.
His journey reflects the challenges and contradictions of modern entrepreneurship, especially in an industry where profits are high, risks are significant, and oversight is often limited.
Conclusion
Uri Poliavich remains a striking and controversial figure. His rise—from an immigrant born in the former Soviet Union to the founder of a global iGaming empire—is impressive.
Whether viewed as a technology-driven visionary or as a businessman navigating ethical gray zones, Poliavich embodies the complex mix of ambition, innovation, philanthropy, and controversy that defines many of today’s global entrepreneurs.
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About the Author:
Christian Schmitz is a professional journalist and editor at SecureBlitz.com. He has a keen eye for the ever-changing cybersecurity industry and is passionate about spreading awareness of the industry's latest trends. Before joining SecureBlitz, Christian worked as a journalist for a local community newspaper in Nuremberg. Through his years of experience, Christian has developed a sharp eye for detail, an acute understanding of the cybersecurity industry, and an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information.
