1xCare, the non-profit responsible gambling initiative established by the owner of the global operator brand 1xBet, has created a four-member independent Advisory Committee chaired by Simon Westbury to strengthen the oversight of its player protection programme.

Westbury will be joined by experts in gambling regulation, public policy, programme governance, and sports integrity, who will all contribute to 1xCare’s ambitious programme.

The team will oversee 1xCare’s four core pillars – EduCare, TechShield, Support and Well-Being, and its Research Hub – expanding the Committee’s remit to funding allocation, ethical standards and compliance, focusing on regulated markets.

Looking at the individual Committee members, Westbury will leverage his role as Chairperson to provide strategic leadership, act as the primary spokesperson and monitor the ethical standards and NGO compliance.

Quirino Mancini, Partner at corporate law firm WH Partners and former President of the International Masters of Gaming Law, joins as a member with expertise on regulation and law. He will lead the regulatory and compliance stream, advising on legal, licensing and responsible gambling standards, including risk management and research ethics.

Chris Bird, former Chief Operating Officer of Manchester City FC, brings expertise in sport and integrity. He will be responsible for overseeing the sports and sponsorships stream within EduCare, advice on integrity in sports partnerships, and on embedding gambling awareness into sporting settings.

Last but not least, Sissel Weitzhändler, former Allwyn Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, will move the public policy matters within 1xCare, overseeing funding for public-interest initiatives and NGO accountability and working closely with regulators on evidence-based interventions.

Westbury commented: “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.”