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An influx of unauthorised gambling promotions is testing the limits of Cyprus’ online safeguards.
A troubling trend on social media
The latest warnings from Cyprus’ National Betting Authority (NBA) point to a fast-growing digital problem.
The regulator says it has observed a sharp rise in advertisements for unlicensed online casinos circulating across major social media platforms. Many of these sites are not authorised to operate in Cyprus, yet their marketing is being seen, and in some cases, clicked, by thousands of local users.
The NBA’s concerns go beyond the sheer number of ads. A notable pattern has emerged: the use of public figures in promotional materials. Images and videos of well-known personalities are appearing in these campaigns, often without permission, creating the illusion of endorsement and potentially misleading viewers into believing the platforms are legitimate.
A clear legal line
In Cyprus, the law leaves no room for interpretation when it comes to online casinos.
The country’s regulatory framework strictly prohibits the operation of online casinos. Only licensed betting providers are allowed to operate, and those licences do not extend to digital casino games, as outlined in Gambling Regulation in Cyprus. Any platform offering such services is operating outside the law, regardless of how professional its website or advertising may appear.
The NBA is urging the public to remember that legitimacy is not defined by slick marketing. No matter how polished the branding, if a casino is not licensed in Cyprus, it is illegal, and engaging with it carries risks.
The hidden dangers of illicit play
The financial stakes for players go far beyond the chips on the table.
The regulator warns that using unlicensed gambling services can expose players to serious security risks. These include breaches of personal and financial data, fraudulent withdrawals, and outright loss of funds. Without legal oversight, there is no recourse if winnings are withheld or accounts are frozen.
It’s not just about money, either. The NBA has highlighted the growing number of deceptive pages and links that reroute unsuspecting users to illegal operators, sometimes carrying hidden malware or phishing scams.
How to stay safe
Cyprus’ gambling watchdog is pushing for vigilance, and action.
The NBA advises all users to:
- Scrutinise promotional claims before engaging
- Avoid interacting with dubious ads, apps, or links
- Check the platform’s licence status before sharing any sensitive information
To make this easier, the NBA maintains both an official registry of licensed betting providers and a blacklist of blocked sites, both available on its website. The regulator is also calling on the public to report suspicious advertising, giving authorities the information they need to act quickly.
A pattern of repeated alerts
This is not the first time Cyprus has faced a surge in illegal gambling promotion.
Past warnings have flagged fake celebrity endorsements, misleading payment guarantees, and “mirror” sites designed to evade regulatory blocks. The NBA has consistently stressed that every click on an illegal site fuels a market that operates without consumer protections.
The bigger picture
The fight against illegal online casinos is becoming a long-term regulatory battle.
Cyprus’ latest warning shows how adaptable unlicensed operators have become, using modern marketing tools to target new audiences and bypass traditional enforcement. The use of familiar faces in ads adds a new layer of deception, making public awareness campaigns more important than ever.
With the online gambling ban still firmly in place for casinos, the regulator’s focus will remain on blocking illegal sites, tracking deceptive ads, and encouraging citizens to play only with licensed, regulated operators. The NBA’s message is simple: if it’s not on the official list, it’s not safe, and it’s not legal.
Source: Focus Gaming News
