Responsible gambling organisation 1xCare has extended its international reach again, signing a deal with Spain’s Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados (FEJAR).
The duo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the stated goal of preventing and reducing gambling-related harm, improving access to support, and advancing responsible gambling education and practices.
Gerardo Rodriguez Velo, FEJAR President, said: “At FEJAR, we believe that preventing gambling-related harm requires a strong commitment to prevention, accessible support, and the well-being of affected individuals and their families.
“This partnership offers an opportunity to explore ways to strengthen access to support services, while safeguarding FEJAR’s professional independence and ensuring that the needs of beneficiaries remain at the centre of our work”.
Both organisations have also been keen to stress the importance of independence and safeguarding, however.
With responsible gambling and gambling-related harm both being sensitive topics, the independence charity and research organisations have from the industry is often a key talking point in regulatory and political debates.
1xCare asserts that FEJAR will retain full responsibility for its professional methods, therapeutic processes and decision making. It adds that its support throughout the partnership is not conditional on the endorsement of any commercial product or operator.
The organisation was established earlier this year as the new responsible gaming arm of Cyprus-based multinational betting company 1xBet. Simon Westbury, Chairperson of 1xCare,explained why it wants to make it clear there is no commercial arrangement between it and FEJAR.
“Responsible gambling is a commitment; it is non-negotiable and sits at the centre of everything we do,” said Westbury.
“This partnership is built on independence and respect for FEJAR’s expertise.
“Our role is to help strengthen access to support for people affected by gambling-related harm, not to direct how that support is delivered.”