A Ukrainian-born Israeli entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Soft2Bet founder, a prominent global iGaming platform provider and highly respected Uri Poliavich. His journey from modest beginnings to leading a multinational company is marked by innovation, strategic growth, and a commitment to social impact.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1981 in Soviet Ukraine, Poliavich relocated to Israel at the age of 14. There, he completed his secondary education and fulfilled his mandatory three-year military service. He pursued higher education at Bar-Ilan University, earning a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree between 2005 and 2009. Initially, he practiced law, focusing on commercial and real estate sectors.
Career Trajectory
Poliavich’s professional journey began in the legal field, working as a legal intern at HBW Law from 2007 to 2010, specializing in mergers and acquisitions for international commercial and real estate deals. Between 2010 and 2012, he served as Vice President of Business Development at WK Group, managing operations in Central Asia and collaborating with major iGaming suppliers like Microgaming, BetConstruct, and Playtech. In 2012, he moved with his family to Moldova and took on a role at Playtech as a Consultant for Emerging Markets, focusing on business development in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. He also held the position of Chief Operating Officer at IMS Limited, overseeing iGaming operations, customer support, finance, and marketing until August 2016.
Founding and Leading Soft2Bet
In 2016, Poliavich founded Soft2Bet, starting as a small startup in Malta. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global iGaming provider, securing over 16 international licenses and launching multiple gaming brands. Soft2Bet operates in more than 16 jurisdictions, including Ontario (Canada), Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Romania, Spain, and Sweden.
A significant innovation under Poliavich’s guidance is the development of the Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), a gamification-driven platform designed to enhance player engagement and revenue growth. Launched at ICE London in 2024, MEGA led to a 50% rise in deposits, a fourfold increase in screen time, and a 30% rise in deposit frequency. These results earned Soft2Bet the “Product Launch of the Year” award at the 2025 Global Gaming Awards in the EMEA region.
In 2024, Poliavich expanded Soft2Bet’s operations by opening a new office in Malta and entering the North American market through an iGaming license issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). He also launched Soft2Bet Invest, a $52 million investment fund aimed at supporting emerging companies and entrepreneurs in the gaming sector. This initiative received the “Outstanding Contribution to Gaming” award at SIGMA in September 2024.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Beyond business, Poliavich is deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2020, he and his wife, Yael, established the Yael Foundation, dedicated to ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for Jewish children worldwide. As of 2025, the foundation operates in 37 countries, supporting over 13,500 children through educational programs, summer camps, and other initiatives.
Poliavich’s philanthropic efforts have been recognized globally. In 2024, he was named among the top 50 most influential Jews in the world. He collaborates with other global Jewish leaders, such as Ronald Lauder, to support Jewish education and combat rising antisemitism across Europe.
Recognition and Controversies
Poliavich’s leadership has earned him several accolades, including being named “Leader of the Year” at the SBC Awards and “Executive of the Year” by the Global Gaming Awards EMEA in 2024.
However, his career has not been without controversy. Investigations have revealed connections between Soft2Bet and blacklisted gambling sites, raising concerns about the company’s practices. Reports indicate that Poliavich has overseen an empire that turned a €66.8 million profit in 2023, with a €57.8 million dividend paid to him. Corporate documents also reveal significant expenditures on real estate and luxury cars.
Poliavich’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a drive to make a meaningful impact both in business and in the broader community.
For a more in-depth look at Uri Poliavich’s journey and impact, you might find this video insightful:
Soft2Bet is a global iGaming platform provider specializing in turnkey solutions for online casino and sportsbook operators. Founded in 2016 by Uri Poliavich, the company has rapidly expanded its presence, securing over 16 international licenses and launching multiple gaming brands across various jurisdictions.
🌐 Global Presence and Licensing
Soft2Bet operates in more than 16 regulated markets, including:
Ontario (Canada)
Denmark
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Malta
Mexico
Romania
Spain
Sweden
The company holds licenses from reputable regulatory bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen), and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
🛠️ Platform and Technology
At the core of Soft2Bet’s offerings is its high-performing and flexible iGaming platform, designed to support both casino and sportsbook operations. Key features include:
Player Account Management (PAM)
Real-time CRM tools
Advanced gamification features
Robust security and compliance systems
The platform boasts over 12,500 casino games from more than 100 providers and offers access to over 1 million live sports events annually.
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🎮 Gamification with MEGA
Soft2Bet’s proprietary Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA) is a gamification-driven platform designed to enhance player engagement and retention. MEGA introduces elements such as:
Personalized challenges and rewards
Progression systems
Interactive user experiences
This innovative approach has been recognized in the industry, earning the “Product Launch of the Year” award at the 2025 Global Gaming Awards in the EMEA region.
🏆 Recognized Brands
Soft2Bet has developed and operates several successful online casino and sportsbook brands, including:
ToonieBet: Tailored for Canadian players, offering a secure and engaging gaming experience.
YoYoCasino: Known for its user-friendly design and diverse game selection.
CampoBet: Combines casino gaming with extensive sports betting options.
Betinia: Features unique gamification elements, providing an immersive betting experience.
Don.ro: A Romanian brand inspired by classic mafia themes, offering a wide range of games and sports events.
These brands have received multiple industry awards, highlighting Soft2Bet’s commitment to quality and innovation.
🌱 Corporate Social Responsibility
In 2024, Soft2Bet launched the Soft2Bet Foundation, focusing on responsible gambling, player well-being, and community engagement. This initiative underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable growth in regulated markets.
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For more information about Soft2Bet’s offerings and initiatives, visit their official website: soft2bet.com.