Cyprus targets illegal gambling and AI-driven player protection
Regulators say technology, enforcement and public health measures must work together to reduce gambling-related harm.
Key takeaways:
- Cyprus’ National Betting Authority says illegal gambling remains a key threat to a sustainable regulated market.
- Chairman Panayiotis Trisokkas argued that compliance alone is insufficient and consumer protection must be embedded across the industry.
- Delegates examined illegal betting, AI, public health issues and emerging European gambling regulation trends.
- Regulators highlighted the potential of AI and data analytics to detect harmful gambling behaviour earlier and support intervention efforts.
- Safer Gambling Week focused on awareness campaigns, education and protecting young and vulnerable consumers under the slogan “Play within limits. Play safely”.
Cyprus is seeking to strengthen its safer gambling framework by combining tougher action against illegal operators with greater use of technology to identify gambling-related harm. Speaking at the country’s 9th Safer Gambling Conference, National Betting Authority chairman Panayiotis Trisokkas positioned consumer protection as the foundation of a sustainable gambling market, while highlighting artificial intelligence and data analytics as key tools for future regulatory oversight. The message reflects a broader European shift towards treating gambling harm as a public health challenge rather than solely a compliance issue.
Cyprus.- Cyprus needs to intensify its fight against illegal gambling and ensure that consumer protection measures extend beyond basic regulatory compliance. That’s according to National Betting Authorityy chairman Panayiotis Trisokkas. Speaking at Cyprus’s 9th Safer Gambling Conference this month, Trisokkas said a combination of effective regulation, preventative action and technology-driven monitoring would be essential to reducing gambling-related harm and maintaining a healthy gambling market.
The event marked the launch of Cyprus’ ninth Safer Gambling Week and brought together academics, researchers, regulators and industry representatives from Cyprus and other jurisdictions to discuss illegal betting, artificial intelligence, public health issues and the future of safer gambling policies. Addressing delegates, Trisokkas stressed the importance of embedding player protection into the foundations of the gambling industry.
“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.
He cautioned that meeting regulatory requirements alone is not enough, arguing that authorities must continually review whether existing frameworks remain appropriate for changing market conditions and emerging risks.
Participants examined developments across European gambling regulation, including growing efforts to strengthen consumer safeguards and the increasing recognition of gambling-related harm as a public health issue. Discussions also focused on the psychological and biological drivers of risk-taking behaviour, as well as the challenges faced by regulators in identifying and combating illegal gambling activity.
A significant part of the conference was devoted to the potential role of artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital technologies in detecting problematic gambling patterns at an earlier stage and enabling more effective intervention. Trisokkas expressed confidence that such tools could improve understanding of player behaviour and enhance protection measures throughout the sector.
The conference also explored responsible advertising practices and the responsibilities of communications professionals, alongside wider developments affecting Cyprus’ regulated gambling market.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Lucy Herodotou Mouskou, director of financial management of the central government, highlighted the work being carried out by the National Betting Authority while warning against prioritising industry growth over consumer welfare.
Mouskou said the success of the gambling sector should not be judged solely on economic performance, emphasising the importance of strong regulation, transparency and effective public safeguards. She also delivered a message from the Finance Minister stressing that economic prosperity and consumer protection must go hand in hand. The statement stressed that while individuals should gamble responsibly and within their limits, the state has a responsibility to provide support when those limits are exceeded.
Cyprus Safer Gambling Week featured a series of educational initiatives, awareness campaigns and interactive events. This year’s campaign carried the slogan “Play within limits. Play safely” and aimed to promote self-control, encourage recognition of harmful gambling behaviours and help consumers make informed decisions. Particular attention was given to young people and vulnerable groups, with organisers seeking to increase awareness of the risks associated with gambling and the support tools available to help prevent gambling-related harm.
FAQs
What did Cyprus’ regulator say about illegal gambling?
National Betting Authority chairman Panayiotis Trisokkas said Cyprus must intensify efforts against illegal gambling and continue strengthening enforcement measures to protect consumers and support a sustainable regulated market.
How could AI be used in gambling regulation?
Conference participants discussed how AI, data analytics and other digital technologies could help identify problematic gambling behaviour earlier, allowing regulators and operators to intervene more effectively.
What was the main theme of Cyprus’ 9th Safer Gambling Conference?
The event focused on illegal betting, player protection, artificial intelligence, public health issues and the future of safer gambling policies in Cyprus and across Europe.
What is the goal of Cyprus’ Safer Gambling Week?
The campaign aims to encourage safer play, raise awareness of gambling-related risks and promote available support tools, with a particular focus on young people and vulnerable groups.
Why did officials say compliance is not enough?
Speakers argued that simply meeting regulatory requirements does not guarantee effective consumer protection. Regulators must continually assess whether safeguards remain suitable as technologies, player behaviours and market risks evolve.
