1xCare Partners with Spanish Rehabilitation Federation

1xCare, an organisation focused on responsible gambling, has expanded its international work with a new partnership. The organisation signed a memorandum of understanding with FEJAR, the Spanish Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers.

The two parties aim to prevent gambling-related harm, make access to support services easier, and develop responsible gambling education and practices. FEJAR President Gerardo Rodriguez Velo stressed the importance of prevention work and the wellbeing of affected individuals and their families. Velo said the partnership offers an opportunity to strengthen support services, but that the federation's professional independence must be preserved.

Because gambling and gambling-related harm are sensitive topics, the independence of civil society organisations and research centres from the industry sits at the centre of regulatory and political debate. 1xCare stated that FEJAR will retain full responsibility for its therapeutic methods and decision-making processes, and that the support will not depend on approval from any commercial product or operator.

Simon Westbury, chair of 1xCare, the responsible gaming unit set up earlier this year by the Cyprus-based multinational betting company 1xBet, emphasised that there is no commercial arrangement between the two organisations. Westbury said responsible gambling is an essential commitment and sits at the heart of the organisation's activities. In his view, the aim of the partnership is to strengthen access to support for people affected by gambling-related harm, without interfering in how that support is delivered.