Cyprus urged to step up action on illegal gambling and strengthen player protection
National Betting Authority chairman Panayiotis Trisokkas called for stronger prevention, effective regulation and technology-led safeguards as Cyprus launched its ninth Safer Gambling Week.
Nicosia, Cyprus. National Betting Authority (NBA) chairman Panayiotis Trisokkas said this week that Cyprus needs a stronger response to illegal gambling and safeguards for players that extend beyond compliance with regulations. His remarks came as the island launched the ninth edition of Safer Gambling Week.
Regulation and prevention
Addressing the 9th Safer Gambling Conference on October 12, Trisokkas called for effective oversight, more robust prevention and wider use of technology to recognise risks before harm occurs.
He said sound regulation was essential to a sustainable gambling market, with player protection embedded in its operations. Meeting regulatory requirements was not enough, he added: authorities needed to keep reviewing whether the rules matched conditions in the market and newly emerging risks.
The gathering drew academics, researchers, regulators and professionals working in the gambling industry, both from Cyprus and overseas. Its agenda covered illegal betting, artificial intelligence (AI), concerns about public health and the future direction of safeguards for players.
Health risks and European regulation
Conference discussions reviewed changes to gambling regulation across Europe, including moves towards stronger safeguards for players and an approach that recognises gambling harm as an issue of public health.
Participants also examined how psychological and biological influences contribute to risk-taking. Another focus was the challenges facing regulators when detecting illegal gambling and taking action against it.
Technology and advertising
The conference considered the potential for AI, analysis of data and digital tools to spot gambling behaviour that could cause harm at an earlier stage and make interventions more effective.
Trisokkas said such technologies could deepen understanding of how players behave and reinforce measures designed to protect them.
Discussions also addressed responsible advertising, the duties of communications professionals and developments affecting the gambling sector in Cyprus.
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