1xCare Appoints Advisory Committee to Oversee Its Player Protection Programme

Following its official launch at iGB Live earlier this month, 1xCare today confirmed the appointment of its Advisory Committee, the body responsible for independent oversight of its player protection and responsible gambling programme. Simon Westbury, the appointed Chairperson, is joined by three members bringing expertise in gambling regulation and law, public policy and programme governance, and sports integrity.

The Advisory Committee oversees 1xCare's four pillars: the Research Hub, EduCare, TechShield, and Support and Well-Being. Its remit covers policy oversight, funding allocation, ethical standards and compliance, with a focus on regulated markets. 1xCare has been established by the owner of the global brand (trademark) 1xBet to consolidate efforts in research, education, technology, and player well-being under one unified framework.

The Advisory Committee

Simon Westbury, Chairperson. Provides strategic leadership across the four pillars, chairs the committee, and leads policy oversight and funding allocation. Acts as primary spokesperson and monitors ethical standards and NGO compliance.

Quirino Mancini, Member, regulation and law. Leads the regulatory and compliance stream, advising on legal, licensing and responsible gambling standards across all four pillars, including research ethics and risk management. Builds networks with regulators, governments and academic institutions.

Chris Bird, Member, sport and integrity. Leads the sports and sponsorships stream within EduCare, advising on integrity in sports partnerships and on embedding gambling awareness into sporting settings. Contributes to support and well-being programmes.

Sissel Weitzhändler, Member, public policy and regulation. Leads the public policy and regulation stream, overseeing funding for public-interest initiatives and NGO accountability, and collaborating with regulators and NGOs on evidence-based interventions.

“An initiative like this is judged by the people willing to stand behind it,” said Simon Westbury, Chairperson of the 1xCare Advisory Committee. “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 has said further specialist appointments, including academic and sports integrity seats, will be confirmed in the coming months as the committee's work develops.