Cyprus Police Crack Down on Illegal Gambling, Arrests Made in Paphos

Cyprus Police make significant strides in combating illegal gambling.

A recent raid in Paphos led to six arrests, showcasing intensified enforcement efforts.

Imagine a gambling landscape in Cyprus that’s safer and more regulated.

Explore how Cyprus is tackling illegal gambling and implementing measures to reduce gambling harm.

Targeting Illegal Gambling in Cyprus

Cyprus Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal gambling, leading to six arrests in a Paphos cafe raid.

Raid Results in Multiple Arrests

During the festive enforcement period, police found five individuals allegedly gambling with dice. They, along with the cafe manager, were arrested.

Police Spokesman’s Statement on Enforcement

Police spokesman Michalis Nikolaou stated that enforcement activities had been ramped up for the holiday season. The raid resulted in the seizure of 104 playing cards and 52 gambling chips.

Legal Proceedings Following the Raid

Those arrested were accused in writing and released, pending a summons for a later court appearance. One individual had previously faced fines for similar offenses.

Government Initiatives to Curb Gambling Harm

Cyprus’s government announced plans to auto-exclude welfare recipients from gambling. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate gambling-related harm.

National Betting Authority’s Role and Proposals

Ioanna Fiakkou, chair of the National Betting Authority, outlined these proposals in parliament. She reviewed the regulator’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing harm reduction.

Implementing a Self-Exclusion Platform

A self-exclusion platform is set to launch in partnership with the health and labor ministries. It will automatically ban all welfare recipients, including Guaranteed Minimum Income beneficiaries, from gambling.

Conclusion: Cyprus’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling

The Cyprus Police’s recent actions and the government’s initiatives reflect a strong commitment to promoting responsible gambling and safeguarding the community. By targeting illegal operations and implementing preventive measures, Cyprus is setting a standard in effectively managing gambling activities and reducing associated risks.