Cyprus has announced that it is launching the National Self-Exclusion Platform (NSEP) as part of the country’s Safer Gambling Strategy 2022-2025.
Spearheaded by the National Betting Authority (NBA), the scheme will deliver added protection for customers of the rapidly growing Cypriot gambling market.
The main safeguard is allowing players to opt in for self-exclusion so that they can control their betting activity with all online operators that are currently under licence by the Republic of Cyprus.
When the self-exclusion is active, customers are only allowed to access their accounts to withdraw any deposits left, and are prevented from creating a new account with the same or another operator.
The NSEP is primarily targeted at players who have concluded that they cannot control their gambling behaviour anymore and that it is negatively interfering with their personal life.
Ioanna Fiakkou, President of the Cyprus NBA, commented: “This is a robust tool for every player, designed to promote safer betting behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable groups of people.
“The development of the National Self-Exclusion Platform underscores the NBA’s dedication to player protection and the establishment of a sustainable and fair betting sector. The platform at this point offers self-exclusion from online betting service providers, but its operation is dynamic and poised to integrate additional functionalities.
“Thus, we extend a public invitation to all stakeholders to join our efforts for safeguarding society and include specific groups such as athletes in the platform’s operations, in collaboration with relevant federations and governmental bodies, to join the platform. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to fortify the fight against match-fixing and enhance transparency in sports, aligning with key objectives outlined in the Authority’s strategic framework.
“We are particularly satisfied to witness the realisation of another significant milestone, as we advance towards achieving the goals set forth in the Safer Gambling Strategy, reinforcing protective measures for the public and fostering the industry’s sustainability in the right direction”.
