1xCare Appoints Independent Advisory Committee for Player Protection

Following its official launch at iGB L!VE, 1xCare has confirmed the appointment of its Advisory Committee. This independent body is tasked with overseeing its player protection and responsible gambling program. The committee comprises chairperson Simon Westbury and three other members, bringing expertise in gambling regulation and law, public policy and program governance, and sports integrity.

The committee's mandate is comprehensive. It covers policy oversight, funding allocation, ethical standards, and compliance. The focus is on regulated markets. 1xCare was established by the owner of the global 1xBet brand. Its goal is to consolidate efforts in research, education, technology, and player well-being under one unified framework.

Numbers and facts

The 1xCare Advisory Committee consists of four members. Simon Westbury serves as the Chairperson, providing strategic leadership across what are called the four pillars: Research Hub, EduCare, TechShield, and Support and Well-Being. Quirino Mancini, a member specializing in regulation and law, advises on legal, licensing, and responsible gambling standards. Chris Bird, focusing on sport and integrity, leads the sports and sponsorships stream within EduCare, embedding gambling awareness into sporting settings. Sissel Weitzhändler, representing public policy and regulation, oversees funding for public-interest initiatives and NGO accountability.

Simon Westbury emphasized the importance of genuine commitment to responsible gambling. He stated:

"An initiative like this is judged by the people willing to stand behind it. We have brought together independent expertise in gambling regulation, law and sports integrity, and given the committee genuine authority over how our programmes are governed and funded. Responsible gambling is not a slogan; it is a duty, and this committee exists to hold us to it."

1xCare plans to announce further specialist appointments, including academic and sports integrity seats, in the coming months as the committee's work progresses. This initiative functions as a non-profit organization named RG Practices, established by the owner of 1xBet. It committed to publishing regular impact updates. Its funded initiatives aim to foster collaboration with regulators, researchers, and civil society. An SBC News report from April 16, 2026, mentioned that a former Man City COO was among two new advisory appointments at 1xBet, which may refer to one of the integrity experts mentioned in the 1xCare committee.

Background

The creation of 1xCare marks a significant step for 1xBet in formalizing and expanding its commitment to responsible gambling. By establishing an independent advisory committee with diverse expertise, the organization aims to enhance its credibility and effectiveness in addressing player protection concerns. The four pillars structure of 1xCare – Research Hub, EduCare, TechShield, and Support & Well-Being – suggests a holistic approach to responsible gambling. This ranges from evidence-based research to technological solutions and direct player support. This move aligns with a broader industry trend towards increased corporate social responsibility and stricter regulatory demands.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the activities of global operators like 1xBet, even through initiatives like 1xCare, generally hold limited direct relevance if they engage with casinos not licensed in Germany. Under the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (_Glücksspielstaatsvertrag 2021_, GlüStV 2021), only online casinos with a German license are permitted. These are regulated by the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (_Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder_, GGL).

German licensed casinos adhere to stringent player protection measures. These include a 1 Euro maximum stake per spin for slot games, a 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit across all licensed providers, and the central self-exclusion system LUGAS (_Länderübergreifendes Glücksspielaufsichtssystem_). Such efforts by non-GGL-licensed entities, while laudable, do not replace the legal protections offered by the German regulatory framework. Players in Germany should always prioritize GGL-whitelisted providers to ensure compliance and robust consumer safeguards.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed online casinos, initiatives like 1xCare can serve as a benchmark or a source of best practices in responsible gambling, especially concerning research and technological advancements. However, GGL operators already operate under a comprehensive and strict regulatory regime. Their player protection measures are legally mandated and continuously monitored by the GGL. The German system, with its centralized database LUGAS, ensures a high level of player safety. While international collaboration on research (e.g., via 1xCare's Research Hub) could be beneficial for understanding gambling behavior, the operational implementation of player protection for licensed German casinos must always align with the GlüStV 2021 and GGL guidelines. The primary focus for GGL-licensed casinos remains compliance with local regulations.