1xBet boosts global player protection strategy with senior advisory hires

1xBet has strengthened its global player protection and integrity strategy with the appointment of Chris Bird and Quirino Mancini as strategic consultants, reinforcing its commitment to responsible gaming, transparency, and evidence-based practices across more than 35 jurisdictions.

The appointments are part of the company’s broader effort to enhance its international social responsibility agenda, focusing on the development of long-term frameworks that support research, regulatory dialogue, and practical tools aimed at improving player safety and promoting sustainable industry growth.

A key pillar of this strategy is a data-driven approach to responsible gaming. Both consultants will contribute to the expansion of initiatives such as the Player Protection Index Series, an independently commissioned research programme analysing responsible gambling frameworks across regions including Western Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Since its launch, the initiative has been recognised by industry stakeholders for fostering transparency, early intervention strategies, and stronger collaboration between operators, regulators, and academic institutions.

International Experience and Sector Expertise

Chris Bird brings extensive experience across international sport, sponsorship and strategic development. A former senior executive at Manchester City Football Club, Bird has worked across sport, media and community initiatives, with particular expertise in building partnerships that combine commercial growth with social impact.

Quirino Mancini is a recognised authority in gaming law and regulation and was a former President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and is a serving member of the Executive Committee. His work focuses on regulatory policy, compliance and the evolution of responsible gambling standards across international markets.

Beyond governance and research, 1xBet continues to expand its responsible engagement through global partnerships and community initiatives. The brand collaborates with major sports organisations such as FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and FIBA, while also supporting grassroots programmes that promote education, participation, and responsible interaction with sport.

Among its flagship initiatives are 1xCup in Nigeria, engaging thousands of amateur football participants; Waziri 1xCup in Kenya, a multi-sport grassroots tournament supporting local communities; and 1xBalance, a multilingual platform offering educational resources and practical tools to encourage safer betting behaviour. In 2025 alone, 1xBalance reached more than 289 million people across Africa, providing accessible guidance in English, French, and Portuguese.

Through these initiatives, 1xBet continues to reinforce the message that betting should be approached as entertainment rather than a source of income, promoting awareness and responsible participation across emerging digital markets.

Looking ahead, Bird and Mancini will also contribute to the development of a comprehensive global social responsibility framework, designed to unify the company’s research, educational programmes, and community partnerships under a coordinated, transparent structure aligned with international best practices.