1xCare Advisory Board Focuses on Player Protection

1xCare was introduced to the industry in June 2026. The organization aims to contribute to global discussions on player protection. Saying it will work in the areas of research, education, technology and player welfare, it stresses that it wants to add to the debate rather than complete it on its own.

At SBC Summit 2026, the advisory board, chaired by Simon Westbury, shared its initial findings and goals. Westbury said the idea for 1xCare was born out of meetings held at 1xBet offices in Cyprus, but the organization operates independently under a separate company. Noting that funding decisions are made by the advisory board rather than the operator, he said the aim is to create a measurable positive impact in the industry.

Board members are bringing their own areas of expertise to the work. Bird said education was the main subject that drew him to the project. Explaining that his consultancy work is built around education for young people and athletes, he said this passion overlaps with the board's education pillar.

One of the board's core goals is to build dialogue among operators, regulators, software providers, players and governments. Mancini said he has been advising international operators since the mid-2000s, from the offline ".com" era to regulated markets. In his view, operators once seen as "villains" were among the first to apply for local licences.

Mancini argues that compliance and consistency in regulatory requirements are essential. In his view, betting services carry risks of addiction and harm. He therefore says the global industry must act within clear and consistent rules, particularly to protect minors and vulnerable people.