1xCare and Spain’s FEJAR sign a partnership to widen access to online gambling therapy
1xCare and the Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados (FEJAR) have signed a Memorandum of Partnership to cooperate on preventing gambling harm, starting with access to FEJAR’s online therapy. The memorandum is a framework only: funding and services need separate agreements.
South African players who struggle with gambling already have the 24-hour National Responsible Gambling Programme helpline on 0800 006 008, and self-exclusion with licensed operators. This Spanish agreement is not a service you can use, but it raises a fair question: how independent is support that an industry body helps fund? The published terms say support will not depend on endorsing any operator, which is the safeguard to look for in any scheme like this.
What was agreed
According to a company announcement published by iGaming Business, 1xCare and FEJAR have entered a Memorandum of Partnership. 1xCare describes itself as an initiative that brings research, education, technology and player well-being work under one framework. FEJAR is a Spanish federation of rehabilitated gamblers with experience in prevention and in supporting people affected by gambling problems and their families.
As a first step, the two will explore ways to strengthen access to FEJAR’s online therapy and support services, including for people who find in-person help hard to reach because of distance or other barriers.
The independence terms
The announcement says FEJAR keeps full responsibility for its professional methods and decisions about individual beneficiaries. It states that support will not be conditional on endorsing any commercial product or operator, will not be used for marketing or customer acquisition, and will not give 1xCare or any donor access to beneficiaries or influence over care. Confidentiality and data protection are said to follow the GDPR.
This is the organisations’ own description. We have not seen the memorandum itself, and this is a company statement, not independent evaluation.
What it does not do yet
The announcement says the memorandum is only a framework. Any specific initiative, including funding, defined services or handling of personal data, needs a separate written agreement, due diligence and each body’s governance sign-off. The partnership is non-exclusive. No funding amount has been published.
What it means for South African players
You cannot use FEJAR’s service from South Africa on the strength of this news. If gambling is hurting your finances or relationships, contact the National Responsible Gambling Programme helpline on 0800 006 008, or ask a licensed operator about self-exclusion. Treat gambling as entertainment that costs money, and never as a way to earn it.