Building a long-term vision for responsible gambling

What need within the industry led to the creation of 1xCare, and what will be its primary mission within the global gambling ecosystem?

The need for 1xCare became apparent organically over the last year. Based on the four International Player Safety Index reports, it became clear that the industry needed to move beyond performative compliance toward a genuine commitment to a sustainable long-term vision.

1xCare has been established by the owner of the global 1xBet trademark as an independent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing responsible gambling through four key pillars: research, education, technology, and player well-being. Our objective is to place these pillars at the center of building a more sustainable future for the gambling industry.

Ensuring independence and transparency

1xCare was established by the owner of the 1xBet brand. How will the organization ensure its independence and credibility in conducting research and implementing its initiatives?

Although 1xCare was established by the owner of the 1xBet brand, it operates as a completely independent organization with its own governance structure.

We have created an Advisory Board composed of Quirino Mancini, Chris Bird, and Sissel Weitzhandler, each bringing expertise from different areas to guide meaningful discussions and initiatives. We may expand the board with additional members, but we believe a compact and dynamic team is the most effective way to move forward.

As a non-profit NGO, 1xCare also follows strict internal policies to ensure transparency. Financial reports will be published in accordance with regulatory requirements, allowing the industry to clearly see how funds are allocated to projects focused on player protection and safer gambling.

Four pillars working together

The organization is built around four pillars: research, education, technology, and player well-being. Which of these will be your top priority during the first year, and what projects are already underway?

We have already laid the groundwork through the International Player Safety Index reports, which examined player protection challenges and opportunities across Western Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Those studies helped shape the four pillars that now define 1xCare.

However, I don't believe one pillar is more important than another. The challenge is to promote all four effectively while ensuring that available resources are directed toward initiatives capable of generating real impact.

We are currently in what I would describe as the startup phase. Since iGB Live, we have received a significant number of partnership requests, and we are developing the internal processes needed to evaluate those opportunities while maintaining the highest standards.

Thanks to 1xBet's relationships with leading sports organizations, we also see enormous potential to develop innovative responsible gambling initiatives within the sports sector.

Technology should support players without becoming intrusive

Technology plays a key role through TechShield. What innovations do you believe will have the greatest impact on preventing and detecting at-risk gambling behavior in the coming years?

Technology has tremendous potential, but its application should always be non-clinical and non-intrusive. We want responsible gambling tools to support players naturally rather than making them feel monitored or uncomfortable.

Our research found that many casual players believe responsible gambling tools simply do not apply to them. That is why our objective is to develop technologies that reach everyone without feeling overwhelming.

I like to describe this approach as gamified player protection. A good example is 1xBalance, a tool already introduced by 1xBet that helps players better understand their gambling behavior and enjoy betting in a safer and more informed way.

Latin America presents both opportunities and challenges

Latin America is experiencing significant growth in regulated gambling markets. What opportunities do you see for 1xCare to collaborate with operators, regulators, and other stakeholders across the region?

Our intention is to engage with every stakeholder. The Latin America Player Safety Index report showed that many countries experienced a honeymoon period following regulation, but new challenges are now emerging.

As Chairperson of 1xCare, I want the organization to play an active role in the conversations that shape a regulatory environment that is safe, enjoyable, and sustainable for players throughout the region.

The expansion of offshore markets and changing government perceptions toward gambling demonstrate that there is still considerable work ahead. As an independent NGO, we hope to collaborate with operators, regulators, researchers, and other organizations to help lead the discussion on player protection and safer gambling.

Looking ahead: delivering on the promise

If we were to speak again in five years, what achievements would make you feel that 1xCare has fulfilled its mission and made a meaningful contribution to a safer and more responsible gambling industry?

I certainly hope we have many conversations before then. The announcement of 1xCare is only the beginning—now comes the hard work.

Over the next five years, our success will be measured by the projects and initiatives we deliver, but also by whether the industry recognizes that we have remained genuinely committed to our mission.

If we can help move the conversation beyond performative compliance and become a trusted voice advancing meaningful player protection across the global gambling industry, then both I and the entire 1xCare team will consider that a success.