Cyprus Weighs Gambling Restrictions for Welfare Recipients
Cyprus lawmakers and regulators are considering measures to prevent recipients of Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) from using welfare payments for gambling.
The issue was discussed by the House Audit Committee, together with representatives from welfare, gambling and data protection authorities.
One proposal would allow officials to compare GMI beneficiary data with casino membership records. Harris Tsangarides, executive director of the Gaming & Casino Supervision Commission, reported increased gambling activity around the dates when GMI payments are issued.
Authorities are also considering greater access to banking information to identify possible gambling transactions. However, officials have raised concerns about privacy, data protection and the risk of stigmatising welfare recipients.
Data Protection Commissioner Maria Christofidou indicated that there may be a legal basis for more detailed access to banking data. She also proposed a special card that GMI recipients could use for identification at physical gambling venues.
Another option could involve Cyprus’ online self-exclusion system, which has been operating since 2024. Since around 80% of gambling activity in Cyprus takes place online, officials believe digital controls may be easier to apply than restrictions at physical betting locations.
GMI recipients are not currently automatically classified as financially vulnerable under Cyprus gambling rules.
