1xCare Advisory Board Maps Independent Path on Player Protection at SBC Summit 2026

1xCare announced itself to the industry in June 2026 with commitments to advance player protection through research, education, technology and wellbeing. The organization described itself as a contributor to global debates rather than their final authority.

At SBC Summit 2026, its advisory board shared early findings and wider aims. Simon Westbury, who chairs the board, explained that the concept originated in meetings at 1xBet’s offices in Cyprus yet operates with full independence. The board, registered as a separate company, makes its own decisions on funding without operator direction.

Board Makeup and Specialized Input

The advisory board includes Chris Bird, former COO of Manchester City FC and CEO of the Raheem Sterling Foundation; Quirino Mancini, co-founder and former president of the International Masters of Gaming Law with more than 20 years advising in iGaming; and Sissel Weitzhandler, former Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs at Allwyn, co-founder of EGARA and IMGL member.

Each member aligns with 1xCare’s four pillars. Bird cited the emphasis on education that drew him to the role. Mancini referenced transitions from unregulated “.com” markets to licensed regimes such as Italy’s, where operators applied early for local licences and accepted compliance obligations. Weitzhandler focused on compliance realities amid rapid regulatory shifts.

Regulatory Setbacks and the Trust Deficit

Panel members addressed abrupt policy changes that erode licensed markets. Weitzhandler stated that “Regulation only protects the players it can reach” and warned that inflexible rules drive activity to the black market, citing advertising bans and Brazil’s experience. President Lula issued a full online gambling ban two years after the regulated market opened, prompting Mancini to label the decision ‘ill-judged’ and ‘entirely polls driven.’

Westbury tied these outcomes to the industry’s eroded standing with governments and the public. He noted: “We’ve lost our licence to engage with society. When you lose that license, you lose the opportunity to actually engage and build trust.” The board called for evidence-led, pragmatic rules developed through dialogue among operators, regulators, suppliers, players and governments. 1xCare intends to fund independent research, publish all results even when unfavorable to operators, and embed genuine player-protection tools from product conception rather than rely on performative compliance.

According to SBC News, the effort hinges on industry willingness to act on independent findings. Without that engagement, regulatory reversals are likely to continue.