Cyprus gambling regulator deploys undercover agents
Agents disguised as customers have been conducting surprise inspections at betting shops in Cyprus.
Cyprus.- The National Betting Authority (NBA) of Cyprus has intensified its monitoring of betting agencies, deploying 150 undercover inspectors to carry out surprise inspections. As reported by Cyprus Mail, the measure was revealed during parliamentary discussions on the regulator’s 2026 budget.
As part of the programme, the NBA contracted private inspection services and placed 150 agents into the field disguised as ordinary customers. The inspectors enter betting shops without prior notice to observe staff behaviour, check for illegal betting activity and ensure that minors are not present.
In addition to covert visits, NBA officials continue to conduct routine inspections at betting premises, monitor online platforms frequented by players and investigate potential money-laundering risks, the regulator said.
During a session of the House Finance Committee, an NBA representative reported that fines amounting to €46,000 were imposed last year. Of this total, €26,000 was linked to operators lacking the necessary licences, while the rest stemmed from violations such as minors being found on-site.
Parliamentary data also highlighted the scale of gambling activity in Cyprus: wagers worth €1.3bn were placed in the previous year, with €1.17bn paid out in winnings. Following a rise in betting tax, state revenue from the sector climbed to €6m, nearly doubling the €3.2m collected the year before.
Revenue outlook for gambling in Cyprus
Gambling in Cyprus is projected to generate €71.85m in revenue this year, an increase of 28.03 per cent (€15.73m) compared with 2025. Forecasts suggest further growth, with revenues expected to reach €75.27m in 2027 and €78.59m in 2028.
Betting tax is anticipated to contribute €53m, while licence fees are expected to bring in €8.2m and contributions from betting activity should total €10m. Class A licence holders (land-based betting) and Class B operators (online betting) are taxed at 10 per cent of net earnings.
Under a revised agreement with OPAP Cyprus, €32m will be collected from betting tax on gross profits. Licences for Class A and B operators, authorised representatives, and premises are projected to add €2.8m. OPAP Cyprus will also pay €5m in licence fees and €0.4m in supervision contributions.
Still no online casino in Cyprus, but new betting products to come
The committee discussion also noted that a draft bill has been awaiting action at the Ministry of Finance for roughly a year. The proposed legislation would introduce new betting products and services while strengthening measures for responsible gambling and safeguarding minors. A ministry representative clarified that online casino games are not part of the plan.
