Cyprus President inaugurates new gambling addiction treatment centre
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides (picture above from Cyprus Government website) inaugurated a dedicated gambling addiction treatment centre in Paphos on Monday, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing addiction as a broad social and public health issue. According to the Cyprus Mail report, the facility is the first of its kind in the Paphos district. The report said the centre provides free, tailored care plans and support services for individuals and their families,
Speaking at the “Kinitro” Centre of Therapy event, Christodoulides emphasised the widespread and often unseen consequences of gambling addiction. Framing gambling addiction as a multidimensional phenomenon, the President stressed the need for early intervention, prevention, and scientifically grounded treatment.
“We, as a state, recognise that addiction, regardless of form, is not only a matter of individual responsibility, but a multidimensional social phenomenon, which requires collective sensitivity, institutional mobilisation, and above all, a scientific approach,” the President said. “It is precisely within this context that I am here, showing the state’s interest and recognition of this very serious social challenge.”
The centre forms part of a broader state strategy to reduce harm and support those affected by behavioural health conditions. The initiative aligns with the government’s public health objectives, which prioritise equal access to mental health services and aim to eliminate social exclusion.
National framework backs public health approach to gambling
The new facility complements the ongoing implementation of Cyprus’ National Betting Authority’s (NBA) Safer Gambling Strategy for 2022–2025. The NBA said the agency shifted its focus towards a public health-based approach. The strategy marks a move away from the previously dominant “responsible gaming” model, which concentrated on individual behaviour, toward “safer gambling”, which takes broader social and environmental factors into account.
NBA’s strategy is built on four main pillars: protect, prevent, support, and mobilise. These include developing public policies, raising awareness, improving access to support services, and encouraging evidence-based collaboration across sectors. One key aspect of the approach is recognising that gambling-related harm can affect individuals, including low- and moderate-risk gamblers.
Improved access and care
With the launch of the “Kinitro” Centre of Therapy, Cyprus takes a further step in expanding access to essential mental health services across its districts. The facility’s tailored programmes and free support aim to ensure that those struggling with gambling addiction are not left behind due to geographic or economic barriers.
Christodoulides noted that the centre’s opening represents more than just a new treatment option and that it reflects a shift in societal attitudes towards empathy, support, and collaborative action.
