Both consultants will contribute to the development of long-term frameworks designed to support research, policy dialogue, and practical tools aimed at improving player safety and promoting sustainable industry practices.
Supporting a Data-Driven Approach to Player Protection
The appointments build on the success of the Player Protection Index Series, an independently commissioned research programme examining responsible gambling frameworks across multiple regions, including Western Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
Since its launch last year, the series has been welcomed by industry stakeholders as a valuable contribution to the global conversation around player safety, helping to promote greater transparency, earlier intervention strategies, and stronger collaboration between operators, regulators, and research institutions.
Bird and Mancini will support the continued development of this work alongside broader initiatives designed to enhance education, research, and responsible gaming practices.
International Experience and Sector Expertise
Chris Bird brings extensive experience across international sport, sponsorship and strategic development. A former senior executive at Manchester City Football Club, Bird has worked across sport, media and community initiatives, with particular expertise in building partnerships that combine commercial growth with social impact.
Quirino Mancini is a recognised authority in gaming law and regulation and currently serves as President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). His work focuses on regulatory policy, compliance and the evolution of responsible gambling standards across international markets.
Together, they will support the ongoing development of 1xBet’s player protection initiatives and broader social responsibility programmes.
Global Partnerships and Community Impact
1xBet’s commitment to responsible engagement in sport and gaming is reflected through its international partnerships and community initiatives. The brand is an official partner of leading global sports organisations, including FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and FIBA, while also supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at education, participation, and responsible engagement in sport.
Among these initiatives are:
1xCup - an amateur football tournament in Nigeria involving more than 4,000 people offline and online, providing opportunities for young athletes while supporting strict responsible marketing guidelines.
Waziri 1xCup is a grassroots multi-sport tournament in Kenya that brings together local teams, fans, and communities across football, basketball, and rugby. The 2025 final attracted over 6,000 spectators, while title sponsor 1xBet supports local communities through food distribution, wheelchair donations, assistance with starting small businesses, tailored kits, and the provision of sports equipment and boots for both men’s and women’s teams.
1xBalance – a multilingual platform combining educational resources and practical tools to promote responsible betting behaviour while helping audiences understand the risks of gambling. It features an interactive test to reveal your betting style, a Safe Bet Calculator to set safe stakes, and a tips & blog section with short, practical advice, helping users play more consciously and manage risks effectively. In 2025 alone, the initiative reached more than 289 million people across Africa, providing accessible resources in English, French, and Portuguese.
Through these programmes, 1xBet continues to emphasise the principle that betting should be treated as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income, promoting awareness and responsible participation in emerging digital markets.
Building a Global Social Responsibility Framework
As part of their work with the brand, Bird and Mancini will also contribute to the development of a broader international social impact framework designed to support research, transparency, and collaboration across the responsible gaming ecosystem.
This framework will help bring together 1xBet’s existing research programmes, educational initiatives, and community partnerships under a coordinated global structure.
About the Player Protection Index Series
The Player Protection Index is an international research initiative commissioned to support 1xBet’s long-term approach to responsible gaming.
The programme examines responsible gambling frameworks across multiple regions and aims to encourage improved cooperation between operators, regulators, and policy experts to strengthen player protection standards globally.
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