RULING AKEL has tabled a legislative proposal calling for more severe penalties for illegal gambling.
The proposal seeks to amend current punitive laws on gambling establishments, and concerns the owners or operators of such establishments.
Under the AKEL proposal, persons found guilty of organizing/supervising/tolerating gambling will be subject to fines of up to €3,500 and/or a maximum prison sentence of three years; currently, the law provides for a fine not exceeding €1,700 and/or a prison sentence of up to one year.
Gambling for money, even in a private home game, is illegal in Cyprus.
AKEL MP Aristos Damianou said the purpose of the bill was to crack down on card games hosted by establishments such as ‘social clubs’ or clubs associated with association sports.
Authorities anticipate that gamblers will turn to traditional card games following a crackdown on electronic gambling outlets following the passing of a law banning online betting services.