Cyprus officials examine restrictions on welfare recipients’ gambling

Cyprus lawmakers and regulators are examining ways to prevent Guaranteed Minimum Income recipients from using welfare payments to gamble, while considering legal, technical and privacy constraints. The Gaming & Casino Supervision Commission said gambling activity had spiked around monthly benefit-payment dates since 2023; a proposed ID check would return only whether someone receives GMI, and legislation would be needed for self-exclusion through the National Betting Authority platform.