Conor McGregor enters online gambling business as co-owner and ambassador of RealBet

UFC star Conor McGregor has announced the launch of online casino brand RealBet, positioning himself as both co-owner and global ambassador — a move that widens his business portfolio but raises fresh questions about celebrity-backed gambling products and regulatory oversight.

Conor McGregor has unveiled his latest venture in the gambling sector, confirming that he is a co-owner and front-face ambassador of the new online casino brand RealBet. In a series of social media posts, the former UFC champion told followers he had “always wanted to own a casino”, describing RealBet as “McGregor’s casino” and celebrating its official launch.

According to the operator’s terms of service, RealBet is run by Wales Genio Three R S.R.L. under a licence issued by the Tobique Gaming Commission, a First Nations regulatory body, and targets players in jurisdictions where online gambling is permitted. However, the site does not hold approval in many fully regulated national markets. In the Netherlands, for example, local media and analysts have stressed that RealBet operates without a licence from the Kansspelautoriteit and that Dutch residents who play there could technically face sanctions under domestic law.

Industry observers say the launch illustrates a growing trend of high-profile athletes and influencers fronting offshore gambling brands that rely on crypto payments and light-touch licensing. Critics argue that such partnerships can blur the lines for young fans and make it harder for national regulators to channel players toward licensed, locally supervised platforms with strict KYC and responsible-gambling controls.

For McGregor, RealBet adds another line to a business portfolio that already spans whiskey, pubs, apparel and fitness. For regulators and responsible-gambling advocates, the move will be watched closely as part of a broader debate over how far celebrity-driven marketing should be allowed to shape the global online casino and sports betting landscape.