1xBet calls for stronger operator–regulator collaboration ahead of Player Protection Day webinar

Global betting company 1xBet has urged closer cooperation between gaming operators and regulators to create more consistent and proactive player protection standards, ahead of an industry panel on Player Protection Day webinar on November 12.

The company confirmed its participation in the session, co-hosted with SBC Media as part of Player Protection Week, which will bring together experts from across the gaming industry to explore how regulators and operators can align more effectively to safeguard players while maintaining regulatory integrity and user experience.

The panel, titled “Strengthening the crucial relationship between operators and regulators,” will be moderated by Steve Hoare of the Player Protection Hub. Speakers include Peter Marcus, Director of The Marcon; Anton Kaszubowski, Director of Greenlaw Limited; and Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor to 1xBet.

Drawing on findings from the recently released Player Protection Index Report – Western Europe, the discussion will address persistent gaps in guidance, implementation, and communication between regulators and licensed operators.

“This isn’t about pointing out issues — it’s about working together on solutions and building bridges,” said Westbury. “Operators and regulators ultimately want the same outcome: a safe, sustainable, and trusted marketplace. The challenge lies in turning shared intent into shared standards.

"At 1xBet, we believe protection should be built-in, not bolted-on. That means earlier engagement, consistent frameworks, and practical guidance operators can apply proportionately across jurisdictions. Through open dialogue, data transparency, and empathy, we can design systems that genuinely protect players, without pushing them into unlicensed spaces.”

Findings from the International Player Safety Index: Western Europe show that while 60% of operators rate player protection highly in their primary market, 43% are dissatisfied and 26% uncertain about the quality of regulatory guidance. The data highlights the need for clearer definitions of success and earlier collaboration to ensure consistent, effective safeguards.

According to 1xBet, inconsistent regulatory frameworks can create friction for responsible operators and risk driving players toward unlicensed markets. The company advocates for data-led, human-centered interventions supported by auditable, practical standards to strengthen channelisation.

As part of its strategic review, 1xBet is:

• Assessing structured audits of protection triggers and outcomes across key markets.
• Exploring friction-light, risk-based checks designed with privacy safeguards.
• Evaluating the use of multi-operator tools for early and consistent interventions.
• Sharing benchmarks and learnings with regulators to promote cross-border minimum standards.
• Investigating AI-assisted workflows with transparent logic and independent testing.

The upcoming Player Protection Day webinar marks a milestone in 1xBet’s broader commitment to fostering a culture of responsible gaming through insight, transparency, and cooperation. The forum aims to establish new standards of clarity and shared accountability in player safety.

A forthcoming qualitative report from the same research series will focus on African markets, examining early intervention, consistency, and data-sharing within evolving regulatory environments.