Responsible gambling means participating in gambling activities in a way that ensures they remain fun and within personal limits.
It involves making informed decisions based on understanding the risks, setting time and money limits, and recognizing when to take a break.
By adhering to these principles, you can enjoy gambling while minimizing the potential for harm.
If you feel that you are losing control, asking for support is an important step. There are services and specialised organisations available that can guide you with confidentiality and respect.
Information about gambling helps citizens better understand the risks, the chances of winning or losing, and the available protection tools.
The questions and answers below aim to provide simple and practical information, so that people can take part in gambling with greater awareness and responsibility.
What is responsible and safe gambling?
Responsible and Safe Gambling is a complete framework for preventing and reducing the harm that may result from gambling.
Its main principle is that gambling should be treated only as a form of entertainment, and not as a way to make money or deal with personal or financial problems.
What is the minimum age to enter the casino gaming areas?
The minimum age to enter the casino gaming areas is 21 years old. People under the age of 21 are not allowed to enter or take part in games in these areas.
What are the signs of problematic gambling?
Common signs include spending more time and money than planned, feeling the need to hide gambling from others, borrowing money or selling personal belongings in order to gamble, and feeling guilty or anxious about gambling.
Can you tell from someone’s appearance that they have a gambling problem?
Gambling addiction is often not visible. Unlike with other forms of addiction, there are usually no clear signs that can be easily seen or noticed by others.
How can someone become addicted to something that is not a substance?
Even though the person is not taking a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, gambling can affect the brain in a similar way.
A person with problematic gambling may feel strong pleasure, excitement or relief when gambling. Over time, however, they may need to gamble more often or with larger amounts of money to feel the same way as before.
This increases the urge to continue gambling and makes it harder for the person to stop or resist the desire to gamble.
Do people with problematic gambling usually have other addictions too?
In general, people who have one addiction may have a higher risk of developing another one. Some people who have problems with gambling may also have difficulties with alcohol or substances.
However, this does not mean that everyone with a gambling problem will definitely become addicted to something else. There are people with problematic gambling who do not have any other addiction, because no other substance or activity gives them the same feeling that gambling does.
It also seems that, in some cases, there may be family patterns of addiction. Many people who have problems with gambling report that one or both of their parents had problems with alcohol and/or gambling.
Is there a responsible gambling programme by the Operator?
A responsible gambling programme has been developed by the Casino Operator and approved by the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission. It is reviewed regularly to ensure that high standards are maintained for a fair and safe gambling environment.
Are online casinos legal in Cyprus?
Online casinos are illegal and prohibited in Cyprus. They are not regulated or licensed by any authority in Cyprus. The Commission does not have the power to investigate complaints related to the supervision of online casinos.
Who is responsible for supervising casinos in Cyprus?
The Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission (CGC) is the regulator responsible for the operation of casinos in the Republic of Cyprus.
It issues the relevant licences and regulates the activities of the Casino Operator, as well as the people working in the casino. This includes casino officers and employees, junket operators, junket representatives, gaming machine suppliers, and providers of maintenance services for technical equipment and casino gaming materials.
In addition to issuing the relevant licences and ensuring that the regulatory framework is followed by the Casino Operator and the people working there, the Commission has a duty to protect the public from the negative effects of casino gaming. This includes protecting young people and vulnerable groups, and applying specific prevention and protection measures.
The Commission began its work in January 2018. Its role is to carry out this work effectively, develop a new regulatory framework, and strengthen the supervision of casino gaming in Cyprus. It also continues to improve the regulatory framework for the casino resort through the necessary updates and amendments.
