Player prevention and protection, contemporary challenges in regulating the gambling sector, combating the illegal market, as well as the opportunities opened up by artificial intelligence and innovation, were the focus of the 9th Safe Gaming Conference, which took place on Monday, October 12, and kicked off the 9th Safe Gaming Week.
With the central theme “The Future of Player Protection: Shaping a More Sustainable Gambling Industry Through Innovation,” this year’s conference brought together distinguished academics, researchers, representatives of regulatory authorities, and industry professionals from Cyprus and abroad to the discussion table. Once again, the Safe Gaming Conference served as a forum for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices regarding contemporary challenges and the sustainable development of the sector.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
There was a special discussion on the evolution of gambling regulation at the European level, with an emphasis on the shift from compliance to the substantive protection of players. At the same time, the harmful consequences that may arise from gambling and addressing them as a public health issue were discussed, as well as the psychological and biological factorsfactors associated with risk-taking.
The illegal gambling market and the challenges it poses for regulatory authorities were also examined, particularly with regard to public protection. Through the presentation of data and discussion among industry representatives, the most effective ways to combat the illegal market were examined.
A special discussion focused on the new possibilities opened up by artificial intelligence and innovation, with experts analyzing how new technologies can be leveraged to identify high-risk behaviors early on and develop more effective protection mechanisms. Furthermore, issues related to responsible advertising and the role of communications professionals were discussed, as well as changes affecting the gambling sector in Cyprus.
In his opening remarks, the President of the National Betting Authority, Mr. Panagiotis Trisokkas, placed particular emphasis on the importance of combating the illegal market: “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,” he noted. Referring to the sector’s current challenges, he emphasized that “it is not enough to ensure compliance with the rules. We must examine whether our rules are responsive to actual market conditions and the new forms of risk that are emerging.” At the same time, the EAS President pointed out that “artificial intelligence, data, and new digital tools can create new opportunities for the early identification of risks, a better understanding of behavior, and more effective protection of players.”
On behalf of the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Louisa Herodotus Mouskou, Director of Financial Management for Central Government at the Ministry of Finance. Ms. Mouskou praised the work carried out by the Hellenic Sports Lottery (EAS), while emphasizing the importance of developing the sector without compromising on public protection: “This growth, however, cannot and should not be evaluated solely on the basis of economic indicators. True progress is equally reflected in the quality of the sector’s regulation, the transparency of its operations, and, above all, the level of protection it provides to citizens,” she emphasized. In addition, Ms. Mouskou conveyed a message from the Minister of Finance that “the economic prosperity of a country cannot be separated from the protection of its people. Anyone who chooses to participate in gambling must do so responsibly and within safe limits, while the State has a duty to support them when those limits are exceeded.”
“Play within limits. Play safely.”
The 9th Safe Gaming Conference officially kicked off the 9th Safe Gaming Week, which takes place from October 12 to 18, 2026, with an expanded program of informational, educational, and experiential activities.
This year’s event is being held under the central theme “Play Within Limits. Play Safely,” highlighting the importance of self-control, risk recognition, and conscious decision-making. Through the Week’s activities, the EAS aims to bring safe gaming closer to the public and raise awareness about personal limits and available self-protection tools, so that play remains a form of entertainment.
More information on safe play is available on the website www.safergambling.gov.cy, while the detailed program for the 9th Safe Play Week can be found at www.sgw.cy
