The state legalised gambling years ago and now spends around €200,000 annually to support those addicted to it.
For 2026, approximately €210,000 is expected to be allocated for rehabilitating addicted gamblers. The amount is included as a provision in the National Gaming and Casino Supervision Authority’s budget for next year.
According to an accompanying document, the Authority, in exercising its powers, establishes and operates the Fund for the Rehabilitation of Gambling-Addicted Persons based on a percentage of its revenue (3%) from the annual licence fee.
Through the Fund, actions are promoted to mitigate the negative effects of gambling on the social fabric.
The same document states that the Fund’s actions are integrated into the Authority’s strategic plan, which concerns the Directorate of Social Protection, Responsible Gaming and Communication and include:
- Conducting studies and developing evidence-based preventive actions
- Promoting self-protection measures
- Support and treatment services for individuals with problematic or pathological involvement in gambling
- Training for service provider and casino staff
The Authority has also developed and implemented, together with other bodies, the first Unit for Minimising the Negative Consequences of Gambling (MEAST) in Cyprus. The initiative constitutes an evidence-based strategic intervention and includes:
- A study of the extent of the phenomenon
- Identification and monitoring of risk factors
- Design and evaluation of preventive interventions
- Analysis of therapeutic and post-therapeutic care needs
Casino tax revenue is projected to reach €34,942,952 in 2026, €39,127,110 in 2027 and €40,300,924 in 2028.
The Authority will spend €152,000 on staff training, conferences, seminars and other events. €17,000 will be allocated for training seminars attended by the President, Members and staff of the Authority (domestic training).
€30,000 has been budgeted for training seminars attended by the President, Members and staff of the Authority (training abroad).
€50,000 is earmarked for organising seminars, conferences or workshops by the Authority (in Cyprus) to inform stakeholders on matters relating to, among other things, gambling addiction. €240,000 will be allocated for expert fees.