Cyprus bettors to get unified self-exclusion platform

Gamblers in the Republic of Cyprus could soon have access to a one-click option to self-exclude from all locally licensed sports betting operators, while the Republic’s lone casino licensee has undergone a management shakeup.

On Tuesday, the Cyprus National Betting Authority (NBA) launched a public consultation into the establishment of a Unified Self-Exclusion Platform for customers of NBA-licensed retail and online bookmakers. The NBA is seeking input from its betting licensees and “all relevant stakeholders” until July 24.

The NBA’s main goals for its new responsible gambling tool are a registration process that is “simple, user-friendly and fast,” while ensuring that customers are made aware of the existence of the platform and that counselling and treatment services are offered to customers who opt for self-exclusion.

The NBA envisions a system that will allow gamblers to select a variable self-exclusion period, along with the option for permanent exclusion. The self-exclusion period would take effect immediately upon registration and online bookmakers would be required to transfer all funds in a customer’s account within five days of that customer requesting self-exclusion.