Cyprus Regulator Calls for Stronger Enforcement Against Illegal Betting Market

Cyprus’ National Betting Authority (NBA) has urged a tougher, more coordinated response to the illegal betting market, arguing that player protection must extend beyond formal regulatory compliance. The call came as the country launched the ninth edition of Safer Gambling Week, which runs from 12 to 18 October 2026, and coincided with the NBA’s annual Safer Gambling Conference held in Nicosia.

A Central Priority for the Regulator

Illegal gambling has been identified by the Authority as one of its most significant enforcement challenges. Unlicensed operators, the regulator has repeatedly warned, operate outside the safeguards that apply to licensed bookmakers, leaving players without recourse in the event of disputes and exposing consumers to unverified practices.

The NBA has reiterated that Cyprus’ legal framework permits only licensed sports betting. Online casinos remain strictly prohibited, and participation in illegal gambling carries penalties of up to one year’s imprisonment and fines of up to €50,000. The Authority has also cautioned the public against misinformation circulating on social media and through unregulated advertising, directing consumers to verify licences exclusively through its official channels.

Enforcement Record and Cross-Border Cooperation

The regulator has relied on a combination of administrative tools to contain the black market, most notably website blocking orders issued to internet service providers. According to industry reporting citing the Regulus black market report, the number of illegal gambling websites blocked in Cyprus stood at 49, down from 82 in 2022, a trend suggesting that enforcement measures have constrained at least the most visible elements of the illegal offer.

Cyprus has also aligned itself with broader European efforts. Regulators from several EU member states have formalised cross-border cooperation against illegal gambling operators, reflecting growing consensus that website blocking and payment restrictions are more effective when implemented across jurisdictions.

The ninth Safer Gambling Conference, organised as part of Safer Gambling Week, placed particular emphasis on the spread of illegal online gambling, the promotion of unlicensed operators through social media platforms, and the growing role of technology – including artificial intelligence – in detecting harmful gambling behaviour. Among the speakers were Spyros Tsakonitis, Head of Legal at the National Betting Authority, alongside representatives of other European regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.

For industry professionals, the signal is clear: the regulator intends to pursue a dual strategy that combines intensified enforcement against unlicensed operators with a higher standard of consumer protection across the licensed market. Compliance frameworks that satisfy licensing requirements on paper may no longer be regarded as sufficient, with regulators increasingly expecting operators to demonstrate proactive harm-prevention measures.