1xCare Establishes Independent Advisory Committee for Global Player Protection

1xCare, the non-profit responsible gambling initiative established by global gambling operator 1xBet, recently announced a significant development. The company has created a four-member independent Advisory Committee. This committee is tasked with governing and strengthening 1xCare's global player protection efforts. Simon Westbury, an industry executive, will chair this newly formed body.

Westbury is joined by a distinguished panel of experts. These include corporate lawyer Quirino Mancini, sports executive Chris Bird, and compliance veteran Sissel Weitzhändler. Their collective expertise in gambling regulation, public policy, corporate governance, and sports integrity is expected to significantly bolster the credibility and reach of 1xCare's programs.

Numbers and facts

The newly appointed Advisory Committee consists of four members and is chaired by Simon Westbury. Westbury is responsible for overall board strategy and monitoring ethical compliance. Quirino Mancini, a partner at WH Partners and former President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL), leads the regulatory stream. Chris Bird, former COO of Manchester City FC, oversees sports integrity and sponsorships within the EduCare pillar. Sissel Weitzhändler, formerly Director of Compliance at Allwyn, manages public policy and audits funding for public-interest programs. She will also coordinate with state regulators.

The committee oversees 1xCare's four core pillars: EduCare, TechShield, Support and Well-Being, and the Research Hub. Its remit covers strategic funding allocation, compliance, and regulatory alignment in key regulated markets. The independence of the committee is crucial to ensuring that player protection remains a measurable objective rather than a corporate marketing exercise.

Background

1xCare was established by 1xBet to consolidate efforts in research, education, technology, and player well-being under one unified framework. The creation of the independent Advisory Committee is a clear signal. The aim is to make player safety programs more transparent and effective. Those in charge emphasize that genuine commitment to player protection must go beyond mere slogans.

Simon Westbury, Chairperson of the 1xCare Advisory Committee, clearly 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.” - Simon Westbury, Chairperson of the 1xCare Advisory Committee

This statement underlines the committee's ambition. It aims not only to advise, but also to actively shape and control. The members bring extensive experience from various fields. This should help align the programs internationally with the strictest requirements.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, such international developments are indirectly relevant. German players are directly affected by the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This treaty introduced strict rules for online gambling. These include a betting limit of 1 Euro per spin on slot machines and a deposit limit of 1,000 Euro per month. These measures aim to increase player protection in Germany.

All online casinos holding a German license must be on the so-called GGL whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder). They are subject to strict supervision by the GGL and are connected to the central self-exclusion system LUGAS (Länderübergreifendes Glücksspielaufsichtssystem). This ensures that players can self-exclude and that compliance with limits is monitored.

Initiatives like 1xCare show that international operators also take player protection seriously. Although 1xBet itself does not hold a GGL license in Germany, the creation of such an advisory committee is a step towards better global standards. For German players, however, this primarily means: pay attention to the GGL license! Only then can you be sure that the strict German protection requirements are met.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

GGL-licensed casinos in Germany already operate under very strict conditions. Their player protection measures are legally mandated and continuously reviewed. An international body like 1xCare can serve as a benchmark for what global responsible gambling can look like.

However, standards in Germany are already very high. The 1 Euro limit per spin and the 1,000 Euro monthly limit are mandatory here. The LUGAS system serves as a central control instance. GGL casinos must also provide extensive information on responsible gambling. They must offer their customers self-control options, such as deposit limits and pause functions.

For German providers, these global efforts are more a confirmation that the path taken in Germany is correct. They do not need to adapt, as their regulation often already exceeds international best practices. The development shows, however, that the trend towards more player protection continues worldwide. This is good for players, no matter where they play.