Cyprus NBA Launches 9th Safer Gambling Week: 'Play with Limits, Play Safely'
The National Betting Authority of Cyprus will highlight personal limits and safe play during Safer Gambling Week, 12–18 October 2026, using Greek mythological figures to address prevention and self-control.
Key Takeaways
- The 9th Safer Gambling Week, run by the National Betting Authority, takes place 12–18 October 2026 in Cyprus.
- This year’s campaign uses Greek mythological figures to highlight the importance of self-control and prevention in gambling.
- The NBA collaborates with public and private sector stakeholders to promote safer play and raise public awareness.
- Educational tools and support services for responsible gaming will be spotlighted throughout the week.
- A national conference and series of outreach activities will broaden dialogue on the risks and boundaries of gambling.
The National Betting Authority of Cyprus (NBA) will hold the 9th Safer Gambling Week from 12 to 18 October 2026, aiming to reinforce the importance of prevention, self-control, and safe participation in gambling activities at a national level. The event uses the theme 'Play with limits. Play safely,' inviting both industry stakeholders and the public to reflect on personal gambling habits and promote responsible behaviours.
Safer Gambling Week Focuses on Prevention and Self-Control
Safer Gambling Week is an annual initiative led by the National Betting Authority of Cyprus, now established as a recurring event in the Cypriot gaming calendar. For its ninth edition, the NBA is emphasising early recognition of personal limits and responsible decision-making. The 2026 campaign adopts four emblematic figures of Greek mythology—Odysseus, Achilles, Midas, and Icarus—to illustrate universal human behaviours relevant to gambling: self-discipline, the belief that 'it won't happen to me', greed, and excessive confidence.
These symbolic choices connect timeless myths with modern gambling conduct. The NBA intends to address often-overlooked questions, such as:
- How much time and money are players willing to commit?
- Can individuals stop when they intend to?
- Are they able to spot when entertainment risks becoming something more?
National Betting Authority Cyprus Drives Multi-Sector Collaboration
The National Betting Authority regularly mobilises not just gambling operators but also public and private entities to support Safer Gambling Week. A variety of awareness-raising actions and interactive experiences will be held throughout the week, with the objective of reaching as many citizens as possible. Messaging will focus on the safe engagement in betting and games of chance, knowledge of self-protection tools, and the negative consequences of problematic play, as well as information about support and treatment structures for those in need.
Educational and experiential activities are designed to reinforce the idea that gambling should remain a form of entertainment. The NBA makes clear that fostering a collective understanding of safe play is its ongoing goal.
"Safer Gambling Week is one of the most important awareness and prevention institutions of the National Betting Authority. This year, with a different creative approach, we want to show that Safer Gambling begins with the decisions each of us makes. Awareness of personal limits, self-control, and timely recognition of behaviour shifts are basic protective factors. Our goal is to make the message even clearer this year: Limits do not restrict play—they protect its enjoyment. When we play, it matters to know when, how much, and how far. Play with limits. Play safely," said Panayiotis Trisokkas, President of the National Betting Authority.
Safer Gambling Tools and Support Services
During Safer Gambling Week, the NBA will promote available tools that help players set limits and manage their engagement, such as:
- Deposit, wager, and time-setting features provided by licensed operators
- Information access points for recognising risk behaviours
- Contacts for support organisations in Cyprus, for both prevention and treatment
Coverage will extend to the harmful effects of problematic gambling and outline where individuals can seek assistance if their play exceeds safe boundaries. These initiatives align with the NBA's regulatory function in ensuring that the Cypriot gambling sector prioritises player welfare.
Stakeholder Events and National Conference
The official opening of the 9th Safer Gambling Week will feature the Safer Gambling Conference. This event convenes academic experts, industry professionals, and representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss prevention strategies and the importance of setting personal boundaries in gambling. Over the week, a series of outreach and awareness activities will aim to deliver the safe play message to the broadest possible audience.
More details about the week’s programme and activities will be announced shortly on the NBA’s official website.
The Role of Culture in Responsible Gaming
By incorporating figures from Greek mythology, the National Betting Authority seeks to engage participants in a dialogue about how personal traits and behavioural pitfalls—such as overconfidence and greed—remain relevant. The narrative strategy aims to bridge the gap between historical myths and the realities of modern gambling, making the prevention message resonate with a broad audience.
Ongoing Commitment to Safer Gambling in Cyprus
Safer Gambling Week reaffirms Cyprus’s commitment to a regulatory environment where entertainment and protection are balanced. The NBA, as the responsible regulator, continues to expand partnerships and deploy creative awareness campaigns to enhance public understanding of responsible gaming. Further information and the full programme will be posted on the NBA’s website as the October dates near.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Safer Gambling Week Cyprus 2026 taking place?
Safer Gambling Week Cyprus is scheduled from 12 to 18 October 2026. The week-long event is organised annually by the National Betting Authority to promote responsible play.
Who is organising the 9th Safer Gambling Week in Cyprus?
The National Betting Authority of Cyprus is the organiser of the 9th Safer Gambling Week. The regulator coordinates with industry, public, and private stakeholders to deliver prevention-focused activities.
What is the theme of the 2026 Safer Gambling Week campaign?
The central theme is 'Play with limits. Play safely,' using Greek mythological figures to illustrate self-control, decision-making, and awareness of personal boundaries in gambling.
Which tools and support services are highlighted during Safer Gambling Week Cyprus?
The week features communication about tools for setting time and money limits, recognition of risky behaviours, and information on support and treatment options for those affected by problematic gambling.
How does the National Betting Authority Cyprus involve stakeholders during Safer Gambling Week?
The regulator mobilises gambling operators and both public and private sector bodies for joint events, educational campaigns, and a national conference to strengthen the message of responsible gaming.
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About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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