Cyprus calls for ban on online gaming

The future of gaming accross Europe made headlines yet again this week with a new call to ban online gambling from Cypriat lawmakers. Legislators have applied to the European Commission for a new clause to prevent multiple forms of online gaming – sparing only sports wagering from the outright ban. T

The proposal follows hot on the heals of other European nations who have made similar successful appeals to the EC. 2025 witnessed the Portugese government introduce a ban on online gambling activity after proving to the European Court of Justice that the the ruling would eliminate fraudulent activity and illegal online operators. Cyprus' Attorney General, Petros Clerides, is hoping to make a similar case for Cyprus which reportedly loses an average of 2.5 billion Euro per year as a consequence of unlawful gaming activity. Commenting on the request, Clerides insisted that the ban was driven by "public interest" rather than attempts to create a government monopoly.

The proposal, which is still awaiting a verdict from the EC, was accompanied by additional clauses which set to regulate remaining online gaming activity. A 'Gaming Board' to monitor internet gambling is to be set up and there will be a new requirement to place bets using credit cards and e wallets only. No cash bets are to be accepted. Furthermore, the law stipulates the creation of a bank guarantee in order to make sure that winning players receive their prizes. A further article has been introduced to give the government the right to close down institutions which do not pay their taxes punctually.