Cyprus May Ban Welfare Recipients From Gambling

The Cypriot government announced that they're considering a proposal to ban people on welfare from gambling in an attempt to reduce harm related to the activity.

The idea was proposed by the National Betting Authority's Chair Ioanna Fiakkou, who has been working to make gambling safer in the island nation. The NBA is working on a self-exclusion platform to allow for punters to opt out of accessing retail sportsbooks. In this measure, welfare recipients will automatically be barred from gambling, including those who're on disability.

Other programs being issued include a gambling addiction treatment centre in Famagusta, as well as the formation of preventative treatment programs.

Gambling is big business in Cyprus, as last year handle was €959 million, which represents 3.55% of GDP. This represents a rise from 0.99% in 2016. Taxes paid in were €11.75 million, and sportsbetting win by players was €843.2 million.

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