FEJAR signs an agreement with 1xCare, 1xBet's responsible gambling initiative, to expand access to its online therapy
Both parties stress that the collaboration has no commercial counterpart and does not give access to patients.
The Spanish Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers (FEJAR) has signed a memorandum of collaboration with 1xCare. This initiative was born this year as the responsible gaming arm of 1xBet, a multinational betting company that has licenses to operate in Spain.
The agreement aims to prevent and reduce the harm associated with gambling, improve access to care and promote responsible gambling education and evidence-based practices. It is part of the Support and Wellbeing pillar of 1xCare, which aims to bring together research, education, technology and player wellbeing in the same framework.
The first area of collaboration will be to study how to strengthen access to FEJAR's online therapy and support services, also for those who have geographical or other barriers to receive face-to-face care.
Gerardo Rodríguez Velo, president of FEJAR, explains in the statement that "at FEJAR we believe that preventing harm associated with gambling requires a strong commitment to prevention, accessible support and the well-being of affected people and their families." He adds that "this collaboration offers an opportunity to explore ways to strengthen access to support services, preserving FEJAR's professional independence and ensuring that the needs of beneficiaries remain at the center of our work."
The two organisations insist on independence and safeguards. FEJAR retains full responsibility for its professional methods, therapeutic processes and decisions. 1xCare's support is not conditional on endorsing any commercial product or operator, will not be used for marketing or customer acquisition purposes and will not give 1xCare or any donor access to beneficiaries or influence over their care. Confidentiality and data protection will be governed by the General Data Protection Regulation.
Any specific initiative involving funding, defined services, or processing of personal data will require a separate written agreement, due diligence, and approval from each entity's governing bodies. Collaboration is non-exclusive.
Simon Westbury, president of 1xCare, defends that "responsible gambling is a commitment; it is non-negotiable and is at the heart of everything we do". He specifies: "This collaboration is based 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."
The agreement comes two days after FEJAR, on the occasion of the National Day Without Gambling on October 29, demanded mandatory identification even for the coupon and scratch card. In September, the federation met with the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling as part of consultations on the reform of the Gambling Law. This month it also highlighted the 20,000 euros contributed by ICE Barcelona to an Ibero-American congress.
