Cyprus steps up action on illegal gambling and strengthens player safety

Cyprus is reinforcing its focus on illegal gambling and player protection as regulators consider how stronger enforcement, preventative measures and emerging technologies could contribute to a safer betting environment. The issue was a central topic at the country's 9th Safer Gambling Conference, where regulatory officials and industry representatives discussed the challenges facing the gambling sector.

Panayiotis Trisokkas, chairman of the National Betting Authority (NBA), emphasised that a sustainable gambling market depends on meaningful consumer protection rather than regulatory compliance alone. His remarks highlighted the importance of reviewing existing safeguards, identifying emerging risks and considering how technology could improve the identification of potentially harmful gambling behaviour.

The conference took place on 12 October 2026 in Nicosia and marked the opening of Cyprus' ninth Safer Gambling Week, which ran from 12 to 18 October. Academics, researchers, regulators and industry professionals gathered to examine illegal betting, artificial intelligence, public health concerns and developments in safer gambling policy.

The discussions reflected a broader regulatory challenge: ensuring that gambling activity takes place within the applicable legal framework while strengthening safeguards for consumers who may be exposed to gambling-related harm.

Player protection must remain central to regulation

Trisokkas stressed the importance of treating player protection as an integral part of the gambling industry's operations. His position was that a market's sustainability depends not only on its economic performance but also on its ability to protect consumers and respond to changing risks.

“A well-regulated market is a prerequisite for a sustainable market. And a sustainable market is one in which player protection is an integral part of its operation,” Trisokkas said.

The remarks underlined the distinction between meeting formal regulatory obligations and assessing whether those obligations remain effective in practice. Gambling markets evolve as consumer behaviour changes and digital services develop, creating challenges that may not be fully addressed by existing approaches.

For regulators, this makes periodic reviews of policies and supervisory methods increasingly important. Rules must remain relevant to the activities they govern while enforcement and prevention measures need to reflect the conditions in which consumers participate.

The conference also addressed developments in European gambling regulation. Participants considered how different regulatory approaches are responding to consumer protection concerns and how gambling-related harm is increasingly being discussed in a public health context.

Artificial intelligence could support earlier intervention

Artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and digital monitoring were among the technologies discussed at the conference. These tools may offer regulators and authorised operators additional ways to identify patterns that could indicate emerging gambling risks.

Data analysis, for example, can help identify changes in gambling activity that merit further assessment. When used appropriately, such methods could support earlier intervention and help responsible gambling teams determine when a customer may benefit from additional information or assistance.

However, technology should be considered a supporting mechanism rather than a substitute for professional assessment, sound regulation or effective consumer safeguards. A pattern identified by an analytical system does not automatically establish that an individual is experiencing gambling-related harm.

The potential use of AI also raises practical questions about data quality, privacy, transparency and the appropriate use of personal information. Any monitoring system should operate within applicable legal requirements and use information proportionately to its legitimate purpose.

The conference discussions highlighted the potential value of technological innovation while recognising the wider need for effective oversight. The central objective remains to improve the ability to recognise risks and respond appropriately before problems become more serious.

Illegal gambling presents an enforcement challenge

Combating illegal gambling remains another important part of Cyprus' regulatory agenda. Authorities face the challenge of identifying activity that falls outside the country's legal framework and helping consumers distinguish authorised betting services from unlicensed offerings.

The issue is particularly relevant in digital markets, where consumers can encounter gambling websites through online searches, social media promotions and other internet channels. Determining whether a service is authorised in a particular jurisdiction is therefore an important step in informed decision-making.

Cyprus' National Betting Authority oversees betting activities within its regulatory remit and provides information about authorised services. Its public information resources also explain how consumers can check licensing information and identify websites that may be operating without the required authorisation.

Effective enforcement and public awareness serve different but complementary purposes. Regulatory action addresses unlawful activity, while clear information can help consumers understand the risks of using unauthorised services and recognise the protections associated with licensed betting.

Discussions at the conference also considered the difficulties authorities encounter when identifying illegal activity. Greater use of data and digital tools may offer additional investigative possibilities, although the effectiveness of any approach depends on its implementation and compliance with relevant legal safeguards.

Economic development must be balanced with consumer welfare

Lucy Herodotou Mouskou, director of financial management of the central government, represented the Ministry of Finance at the conference. She highlighted the work of the National Betting Authority and stressed that the development of the gambling sector should not come at the expense of consumer protection.

Her contribution focused on the need to assess the sector through more than financial performance alone. Regulation, transparency and public safeguards are also important considerations when evaluating whether the market is developing responsibly.

Mouskou also conveyed a message from the Finance Minister that connected economic prosperity with the protection of citizens. The message emphasised that people who choose to gamble should do so responsibly and within their personal limits, while the state has a role in providing support when those limits are exceeded.

This perspective places public welfare alongside the economic interests associated with regulated gambling. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between regulators, government institutions and organisations involved in prevention and support services.

For Cyprus, the challenge is to maintain an effective regulatory environment while ensuring that safeguards remain relevant to the needs of consumers and the wider public.

Safer Gambling Week promotes awareness and prevention

The 2026 Safer Gambling Week combined educational initiatives, awareness activities and interactive events designed to encourage informed decisions about gambling. Its campaign slogan was “Play within limits. Play safely”, emphasising the importance of self-control and recognition of personal limits.

The programme sought to improve public understanding of potentially harmful gambling behaviour and highlight the protective measures available to consumers. It also placed particular emphasis on young people and vulnerable groups, for whom accessible information and early awareness can be important elements of prevention.

Public education can complement regulatory enforcement by helping people recognise warning signs and understand when gambling may no longer be remaining within their intended limits. Information about available support services can also help individuals and families find appropriate assistance when difficulties arise.

The wider prevention approach includes encouraging consumers to think carefully about the money and time they can afford to spend before gambling. Recognising changes in behaviour and seeking help when concerns emerge are also relevant parts of a safer gambling framework.

Through its Safer Gambling Week initiative, the National Betting Authority aims to promote a more informed approach to gambling and increase awareness of available support and self-protection resources.

Conclusion: A broader commitment to safer gambling

Cyprus' latest safer gambling discussions brought together several priorities that are closely connected: addressing illegal gambling, improving regulatory oversight, exploring the responsible use of technology and ensuring that consumer welfare remains central to policy decisions.

Artificial intelligence and data analytics may offer useful opportunities to identify potential risks earlier, but their contribution will depend on appropriate implementation, meaningful oversight and respect for applicable legal protections. Similarly, enforcement against unauthorised activity needs to be supported by public information that enables consumers to make better-informed decisions.

The conference also reinforced the importance of viewing gambling regulation through a wider public interest perspective. A sustainable market requires more than commercial activity and formal compliance. It also depends on clear rules, credible supervision, accessible prevention measures and suitable support for people affected by gambling-related harm.

For the National Betting Authority and other relevant institutions, the continuing task is to translate these priorities into effective and proportionate action. Progress will depend on cooperation between public authorities, responsible industry participants and organisations working to reduce harm.

Ultimately, the strength of a safer gambling framework should be assessed not only by the rules it establishes but also by how effectively those rules protect consumers in practice. Cyprus' emphasis on prevention, enforcement and innovation places that challenge firmly within the wider discussion about the future of responsible gambling.

FAQs

What is Cyprus doing to address illegal gambling?
Cyprus is emphasising effective regulation, stronger enforcement and greater public awareness to help address gambling activity that falls outside the applicable legal framework.

Who is Panayiotis Trisokkas?
Panayiotis Trisokkas is the chairman of Cyprus' National Betting Authority, which supervises betting activities within its regulatory remit.

What was the 9th Safer Gambling Conference about?
The conference examined illegal gambling, player protection, artificial intelligence, public health concerns and developments in gambling regulation.

When did the 9th Safer Gambling Conference take place?
The conference took place in Nicosia on 12 October 2026.

When was Cyprus' 2026 Safer Gambling Week held?
The awareness initiative ran from 12 to 18 October 2026 and included educational and interactive activities.

How could artificial intelligence support safer gambling?
AI and data analytics may help identify patterns that warrant further assessment and could support earlier intervention when potential gambling risks emerge.

Can technology replace gambling regulation?
No. Technology can support monitoring and risk assessment, but it does not replace effective regulation, appropriate human judgement or legal safeguards.

Why is player protection important to a sustainable gambling market?
Player protection helps ensure that regulatory oversight addresses consumer welfare as well as the commercial and economic dimensions of gambling.

Who is Lucy Herodotou Mouskou?
Lucy Herodotou Mouskou represented the Ministry of Finance at the conference and serves as director of financial management of the central government.

Where can consumers find safer gambling information in Cyprus?
Consumers can consult the National Betting Authority's official website and Cyprus' Safer Gambling portal for information about authorised betting services, protective measures and available support.