Cyprus Regulator Urges Action Against Illegal Gambling

Cyprus’ National Betting Authority has urged stronger efforts to combat illegal gambling and improve player protection as the country launches its ninth Safer Gambling Week. The regulator stressed that safeguarding players requires more than compliance with existing rules, highlighting the importance of preventive action and technology to identify potential risks before they cause harm.

Panayiotis Trisokkas, chairman of the National Betting Authority, addressed these priorities at the ninth Safer Gambling Conference on October 12. The event brought together academics, researchers, regulators and gambling industry professionals from Cyprus and abroad to discuss illegal betting, artificial intelligence, public health and player protection.

Illegal Betting and Regulatory Challenges

Trisokkas emphasised the need to reassess gambling regulations regularly to ensure they remain effective as market conditions change and new risks emerge. He argued that compliance alone cannot adequately protect players if regulatory frameworks fail to address the practical challenges confronting both consumers and authorities.

Conference discussions explored the difficulties regulators face in detecting and tackling illegal gambling. Participants also examined the psychological and biological influences behind risk-taking, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of gambling behaviour.

Illegal betting remains a key concern for the National Betting Authority. Strengthening the tools available to identify and prevent unauthorised activity is considered important to supporting a sustainable gambling sector.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology for Player Protection

Artificial intelligence and other digital solutions featured prominently during the conference. Discussions focused on how these technologies could help identify potentially harmful gambling patterns and improve the response to emerging risks.

According to Trisokkas, technology can provide operators and regulators with greater insight into player behaviour. This information could help them intervene earlier and introduce more effective safeguards for customers displaying signs of risky gambling.

Digital tools may also strengthen efforts to address illegal gambling as the market continues to evolve. They could help identify threats that traditional compliance procedures might not detect easily.

The conference also addressed responsible advertising and the responsibilities of communication professionals. These discussions formed part of broader efforts to ensure gambling-related messaging is handled responsibly and does not expose players to unnecessary harm.

Consumer Protection Must Accompany Sector Growth

Lucy Herodotou Mouskou, director of financial management of the central government, attended the conference on behalf of the Finance Ministry. She recognised the National Betting Authority’s work while stressing that expansion of the gambling industry must not undermine consumer protection.

Mouskou said the sector’s performance should not be judged solely by its economic results. Effective oversight, transparency and safeguards for the public are also essential to maintaining a stable and sustainable industry.

She also delivered a message from the Finance Minister, emphasising that economic prosperity must go hand in hand with protecting citizens. Gambling should take place responsibly and within safe limits, while the state must provide support when those limits are exceeded.

Ninth Safer Gambling Week Runs Until October 18

The conference marked the opening of Cyprus’ ninth Safer Gambling Week, running from October 12 to 18. The programme includes educational and awareness activities designed to promote responsible gambling.

This year’s campaign carries the slogan “Play within limits. Play safely.” Its focus is on self-control, recognising potentially harmful behaviour and making informed decisions about gambling.

The initiative also seeks to raise awareness of betting risks among young people and vulnerable groups, while highlighting the tools available to help prevent gambling-related harm.