Former Man City executive and law firm founder named as 1xBet’s new strategic advisors

(AsiaGameHub) –   1xBet, the Cyprus-based operator, has named Chris Bird and Quirino Mancini as strategic consultants as it aims to enhance its global focus on responsible gambling and player protection.

Bird brings a wealth of experience in international sports, sponsorship, and strategic growth. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Manchester City from 1998 to 2003 and spent nearly three decades at JD Sports—first as a Non-Executive Director, then later as a Marketing Advisor.

He has also held the role of Chief Executive Officer at two organizations: Sports Tours International, a sports travel firm, and The Raheem Sterling Foundation—a charity honoring the Manchester City icon that focuses on empowering young people in the UK and Jamaica. Last year, Bird joined Kinkladze Global, founded by ex-Manchester City and Georgia football star Giorgi Kinkladze, as a Strategic Advisor.

Meanwhile, Mancini offers deep expertise in gaming law and regulation. He previously served as President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and remains a member of its Executive Committee.

His work centers on regulatory policy, compliance, and the advancement of responsible gambling standards across global markets—evidenced by his founding of both SBC Advisory Partners and GamingLaw.eu. He also holds a Partner position at WH Partners, a Malta-based law firm.

These appointments are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global integrity and social responsibility initiatives in the 35 jurisdictions where it operates.

Both consultants will contribute to developing long-term frameworks designed to support research, policy dialogue, and practical tools aimed at enhancing player safety and promoting sustainable industry practices.

1xBet’s continued repositioning

The appointments build on the success of 1xBet’s Player Protection Index Series—an independently commissioned research program examining responsible gambling frameworks across multiple regions, including Western Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Bird and Mancini join Simon Westbury at 1xBet, who was appointed as a Strategic Advisor nearly a year ago. Bird’s Manchester City background maintains the football-focused theme among the firm’s Strategic Advisors, as Westbury previously served as Administration Manager at Sheffield United.

Since Westbury’s arrival, the company has renewed its partnership with French football giant and current Champions League holders PSG, while also strengthening its presence in the esports scene through sponsoring MIBR’s VALORANT team.

With Bird and Mancini now adding to 1xBet’s growing list of Strategic Advisors, many in the iGaming industry will be monitoring the company’s progress in the near future as it continues its repositioning toward regulated markets.