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National Betting Authority Mobilizes Covert Agents To Bolster Compliance And Safeguard Integrity

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 21, 2026

Covert Enforcement Measures In Betting Agencies

The National Betting Authority (ΕΑΣ) has deployed a team of 150 undercover agents who pose as customers to rigorously assess compliance at betting agencies. By engaging private sector services, the ΕΑΣ ensures that agency owners and employees strictly adhere to legal requirements, including the prevention of illegal betting and the exclusion of underage individuals from premises.

Comprehensive Inspections And Regulatory Oversight

During their visits, these agents meticulously observe employee actions and verify that all operations comply with established law. In tandem with these undercover checks, ΕΑΣ officials conduct immediate on-site inspections while also monitoring online gaming platforms that attract hundreds of bettors. Additionally, inspections are extended to betting companies to detect any indications of money laundering.

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Financial Penalties And Regulatory Impact

Recent disclosures to the parliamentary Economic Committee outlined that last year, fines totaling €46,000 were imposed on several betting agents for non-compliance with licensing and adherence regulations. Approximately €26,000 of these fines targeted violations related to licensing provisions while additional revenue was generated from infractions such as permitting underage patronage.

Record-Breaking Betting Volumes And Revenue Growth

Data presented before parliament indicate that last year saw bets amounting to approximately €1.3 billion, with winnings totaling €1.17 billion. Furthermore, due to an increase in betting taxes, the state’s collections surged to €6 million from €3.2 million the previous year.

Legislative Proposals And Future Revenue Projections

Discussions with the Ministry of Finance have been underway for over a year, focusing on a legislative draft that aims to introduce new products, enhance safe gaming practices, and bolster the protection of minors. The ministry has explicitly stated that there are no plans to offer online casino gaming. Meanwhile, the ΕΑΣ is forecast to generate revenues of approximately €71.85 million this year—a 28.03% increase over 2025 figures—with further growth projected in the coming years.

Breakdown Of Revenue Streams

Revenue streams include €53 million from betting activity taxes, €8.2 million from licensing fees, and an additional €10 million from betting activity contributions. For licensed operators in both Class A (land-based) and Class B (online) betting, a tax of 10% is applied to net earnings. Moreover, measures linked to the new contract with OPAP Cyprus ensure that the state will collect €32 million from betting taxes based on gross earnings, as well as supplementary fees from licensing and supervisory contributions.

This rigorous oversight and systematic enforcement reflect the commitment of the National Betting Authority to uphold legal standards and secure the integrity of both physical and online betting operations.

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Government Streamlines Real Estate Acquisition Legislation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 9, 2026

Unified Legislative Vision

The Minister of the Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, presented a proposal to the House Committee on Internal Affairs aimed at consolidating three separate legislative initiatives related to real estate acquisitions by foreign nationals without prior approval from the Council of Ministers. The move reflects an effort to merge these proposals into a single, coherent legal text that would strengthen the regulatory framework governing land ownership.

Commitment To Consensus And Timely Reform

Committee Chairman Aristos Damianou expressed a clear intention to move the process toward consensus. The revised proposal is expected to reach the plenary before the end of the current parliamentary term, to secure broad political backing and establish a unified approach that balances public policy priorities with national security considerations.

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Tightening Controls And Modernizing Processes

The draft amendments include provisions requiring directors at the Department of Lands and Surveys to reject property transfers or registrations when restrictions on foreign ownership apply. The initiative also seeks to close legal loopholes that may allow indirect property acquisitions. By clarifying procedures and introducing stronger oversight mechanisms, lawmakers aim to improve transparency and reduce regulatory uncertainty in the property market.

Protecting Agricultural And National Interests

Particular attention is given to safeguarding agricultural land and other sensitive sectors. In the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and regional developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, the reforms are designed to ensure that national interests remain protected while maintaining social and economic stability. Strategic assets and critical infrastructure are expected to fall under stricter scrutiny.

Interdepartmental Collaboration And Forward-Looking Policy

The Ministry of the Interior has signaled support for the overall direction of the proposals while calling for coordination with other legislative frameworks. The Ministry of Finance has also backed the initiative, emphasizing that the objective is to protect strategic sectors rather than impose a blanket ban on foreign property ownership. Feedback from the Attorney General’s Office and other institutions has highlighted the importance of clear procedural limits and zoning rules to prevent misuse.

Conclusion

The consolidation of these legislative proposals marks a step toward modernizing Cyprus’s real estate acquisition rules. By aligning various initiatives and introducing targeted safeguards, the government aims to create a clearer and more balanced framework that supports economic activity while addressing security and regulatory concerns.