International online betting operator 1xBet is highlighting a significant disconnect within the gambling industry, stating that while regulatory bodies prioritize player protection in principle, operators face an environment of confusing and fragmented rules across various jurisdictions.
The findings stem from 1xBet’s International Player Safety Index: Western Europe research, which revealed a strong commitment to player safety among the industry. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed operators affirmed the critical importance of player protection.
However, a notable level of dissatisfaction exists regarding regulatory guidance, with 42% of operators expressing discontent and a further 26% admitting uncertainty about how to evaluate the existing frameworks.
This crucial research, conducted in partnership with SBC Media, is scheduled to be a central focus at SBC’s Player Protection Day on November 12th, where Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor at 1xBet, will present the key takeaways.
The online gambling sector is currently characterized by a complex patchwork of national regulations. For multi-jurisdictional operators, navigating these disparate and often conflicting requirements creates operational friction, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Europe serves as a prime example of this inconsistency, particularly concerning advertising restrictions. While countries like the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain enforce outright bans, others, such as Germany, offer strict but clear guidelines. The UK, conversely, provides a more flexible yet frequently shifting and vague set of directions.
Furthermore, the persistent threat of the unregulated market is a core concern. Regulators face a conundrum: overly stringent measures risk inadvertently driving players toward unlicensed platforms. Yet, large international operators are often implicated in facilitating the conditions that allow these grey markets to thrive.
As a leading operator, 1xBet identifies the core challenges as inconsistent regulations, insufficient communication between regulatory bodies and operators, and a lack of consensus on measurable standards for responsible gambling success.
To address these issues, the company proposes several actionable steps:
- Standardizing financial risk assessments and common protection triggers.
- Encouraging the adoption of multi-operator intervention tools and shared industry benchmarks.
- Implementing rigorously tested, AI-driven monitoring systems.
- Improving data transparency and information exchange between licensed operators and regulators.
The push from 1xBet for unified standards underscores a growing need for collaboration in a global environment where debates over player responsibility and regulatory oversight continue to intensify. Sustainable, effective player protection requires a cohesive approach where industry and regulators work in concert.
Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor at 1xBet:
“This isn’t about pointing out issues — it’s about working together on solutions and building bridges.”
“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.”
