**Cyprus Safer Gambling Conference Highlights Player Protection and Illegal Betting**
Nicosia, Cyprus – The 9th Safer Gambling Conference is set to take place on October 12, 2026, at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia, focusing on player protection, illegal gambling, and the innovative use of technology to address harmful gambling behavior. This annual event, organized by the National Betting Authority (NBA), will run from 09:00 to 14:30 and is part of the broader Safer Gambling Week 2026 initiative.
Under the theme "The Future of Player Protection: Shaping a More Sustainable Gambling Industry Through Innovation," the conference aims to foster discussions among regulators, researchers, and industry specialists on how various factors can contribute to enhanced safeguards for players. The agenda will include topics such as gambling-related harm, psychological and biological influences on risk-taking, advancements in the European regulatory landscape, and strategies to bolster player protection.
A significant focus will be placed on the illegal gambling market, addressing current trends, enforcement challenges, and the potential for utilizing data and technological tools to combat unlawful activities. The conference will feature a diverse lineup of international speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the discussions.
Among the notable speakers is Joerg Hofmann, head of the Betting and Gaming Group at Melchers Law Firm in Germany and a former president of the International Masters of Gaming Law. Hofmann specializes in gambling regulation and gaming law, providing valuable insights into the regulatory challenges facing the industry. Quirino Mancini, partner and director of WH Partners Italy, will also share his expertise in gaming regulation, licensing, and compliance, as he previously served as the president of the International Masters of Gaming Law.
The research perspective will be represented by Michael Auer, an independent gambling researcher who analyzes real-world gambling data to understand player behavior and markers of harm. His findings will contribute to discussions on the importance of personalized feedback in mitigating gambling-related issues.
Technology and early intervention will be a key focus, with Christina Savvouri, Enterprise Partnership Lead at Mindway AI, discussing the application of neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence in identifying potentially harmful gambling behaviors at an early stage. Her insights will be crucial in exploring how technology can enhance player protection strategies.
Francesco Rodano, Group Head of Responsible Gaming at Allwyn, will also participate, sharing his experience in leading player protection strategies across various gaming businesses. Rodano's background includes serving as Italy’s Director of Remote Gaming and working at Playtech, where he was involved in the development of BetBuddy, an AI-based behavioral analytics platform.
From a regulatory standpoint, Graziella Caffari, Senior Executive within the Player Protection Team at the Malta Gaming Authority, will provide insights into regulatory supervision, compliance, and responsible gambling initiatives. Cyprus will be represented by Chara A. Demetriou, president of the Cyprus Psychologists Association and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo, who specializes in clinical psychology and mental health.
Additionally, Lucy Herodotou Mouskou, Director of Financial Management at the Finance Ministry, will bring a public-policy perspective to the conference, drawing from her experience in policy matters related to the gambling sector. Other speakers include Slovenian legal consultant Jaka Repansek and Constantinos Daltas, Managing Director of RedWolf Ogilvy and chairman of the Cyprus Advertising Agencies Association.
The Safer Gambling Conference is part of Safer Gambling Week 2026, which aims to promote awareness and responsible gambling practices, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups. The National Betting Authority, responsible for the licensing, regulation, and supervision of betting activities in Cyprus, plays a pivotal role in implementing measures to prevent gambling addiction and protect at-risk populations.
As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, the insights and discussions from this conference will be vital in shaping a more sustainable and responsible gambling industry in Cyprus and beyond.