Safe Gaming Week in Cyprus Highlights Prevention and Self-Control

The National Betting Authority of Cyprus will hold the ninth Safe Gaming Week from October 12 to 18, 2026. Under the motto "Play with limits. Play safe," this year's edition focuses on the message of prevention, self-control, and responsible participation in gambling.

Focus and Objectives of the Ninth Safe Gaming Week

Safe Gaming Week has established itself as a structural initiative in Cyprus. During this period, the National Betting Authority aims to increase social awareness of the risks of uncontrolled gaming activities and promote responsible gambling habits. For 2026, the campaign combines the tradition of Greek mythology with current human behavior, using the figures of Odysseus, Achilles, Midas, and Icarus as key symbols to illustrate different dimensions of self-control, the perception of invulnerability, and the risk of excess.

This creative approach links mythological lessons with specific questions for participants: How much time do we dedicate to gaming? What amounts are we willing to bet? Do we recognize when fun turns into a problem? With these questions, the National Betting Authority of Cyprus seeks to shift the discourse from generic danger to proactive identification of personal limits.

Tools and Resources for Responsible Gaming

During Safe Gaming Week, the public will have access to information on:

• Safe participation practices in betting and gambling
• Self-limiting tools and controls available for players
• Harmful consequences of problematic participation
• Existing support and treatment pathways for those who detect signs of out-of-control gaming

The authority has planned informative and experiential actions to strengthen public awareness. In this way, it seeks to establish a culture where gaming remains an entertainment option that respects safety and well-being, especially relevant for operators and platforms in the sector.

Sector Collaboration and Institutional Openness

Safe Gaming Week is an opportunity for the National Betting Authority to mobilize not only regulated entities but also multiple actors from the public and private sectors. The authority promotes cross-sector collaboration among agencies linked to gaming and governmental entities, aiming to amplify the reach of key messages about prevention and limits.

The inaugural event will be the Safe Gaming Congress, which will bring together academics, gaming operators, sector professionals, and representatives from national institutions. Throughout the week, awareness activities will take place, seeking to ensure that the information reaches as many citizens as possible.

Statements and Key Messages of the 2026 Edition

Panagiotis Trisokkas, President of the National Betting Authority, emphasized the importance of placing prevention at the center of the debate:

“Safe Gaming Week is one of the main informational and preventive pillars of the National Betting Authority. This year, we adopt a creative approach to emphasize that Safe Gaming begins with individual decisions. Recognizing personal limits, exercising self-control, and detecting behaviors that may lead to loss of control are key protective factors. We want to make it clear that limits do not restrict gaming, but protect its enjoyment. Because when we play, it is vital to know when, how much, and how far.”

During the campaign, additional details will be published regarding the agenda and programming of activities on the authority's official website.

Regulatory Perspectives and Relevance

The initiative of the Ninth Safe Gaming Week reinforces Cyprus's regulatory priorities regarding player protection and the promotion of a sustainable gaming environment. Licensed operators and platform providers are called to collaborate in disseminating good practices, while participation from both public and private sector actors enhances the breadth of social commitment.

More information about the event and its proposals will be available soon on the institutional portal.