Nicosia to host ninth Safer Gambling Conference on October 12

Nicosia, Cyprus. Experts and professionals will discuss modern challenges and new approaches to player protection at Cyprus’ ninth Safer Gambling Conference on October 12. The event is titled “The Future of Player Protection: Shaping a More Sustainable Gambling Industry Through Innovation”.

Innovation and player protection

The conference will examine how scientific knowledge, regulation, technology and innovation can help create a safer and more sustainable environment for gamblers.

Organised by the National Gambling Authority as part of Safer Gambling Week 2026, the event will run from 9am to 2pm. It aims to inform gamblers and the public and raise awareness of safer gambling.

The programme covers regulation to address gambling-related harm, psychological and biological factors influencing risk-taking, developments in Europe and stronger protection for gamblers.

Illegal gambling and social media

Discussions will place particular emphasis on the illegal market, examining current trends, challenges facing authorities and the potential use of data and other tools to detect and address illegal activity.

Participants will also focus on the spread of illegal online gambling and the promotion of gambling material on social media platforms. National Gambling Authority data show that nine in ten people aged 18 to 35 have been exposed to gambling material on social media.

Public health and regulation

Disy MP and former health minister Giorgos Pamboridis and Akel MP Andreas Pasiourtides will lead the closing fireside chat on the future of gambling in Cyprus and its connection to public health.

The discussion will examine how the state can develop a modern and effective regulatory framework. Participants will also consider how gambling-related harm can be addressed as a public health issue, with a focus on prevention, timely intervention and access to support services.

Safer Gambling Week 2026 includes a series of activities aimed at encouraging a more conscious and responsible approach to betting and gambling, particularly to protect young people and vulnerable groups.