The scope of the Authority’s powers which arise under section 15 (i) – (q) of the Law includes the application of prevention and protection measures, cooperation and dialogue with various organisations, bodies, state services and international organizations on issues relating to the protection of young persons, vulnerable groups and the public from betting. Part of the actions of the National Betting Authority is the planning, development and operation of the SaferGambling website, which provides information on safer gambling, prevention measure and treatment services for gambling addiction.
In particular, the relevant powers provided under section 15 of the Law governing the operation of the Authority are the following:
(i) to collaborate and discuss with national organising authorities and international organisations in relation to betting regulation issues;
(j) to collaborate and discuss with international organisations issues relating to the protection of young people and vulnerable groups from betting and to implement specific prevention and protection measures;
(k) to collaborate and engage in dialogue with various organisations and public services to ensure proper and effective implementation of the provisions of the present Law, including the option to set up advisory committees;
(p) to prepare studies at regular intervals, to consult with the citizens on the impact of betting on young people, vulnerable groups and the general public, and to frequently submit recommendations to the competent services regarding the measures to be taken for the protection of young people, vulnerable groups and the general public;
(q) to issue regulations and Directives on how to protect young people and pathological players, with the possibility to consider in advance the views of other competent agencies or other stakeholders to that end;
In addition, on the basis of the provisions of section 74(3)(b) of the Law, an amount of one percent (1%) of gaming tax constitutes a separate amount allocated by the Authority for the purpose of strengthening the mechanisms and protection programs for young persons, vulnerable groups, addicted players and the public as a whole. In particular, within the framework of allocation of gaming tax, an amount of three percent (3%) of the net proceeds from bets from a Class A or B licensed bookmaker is paid to the Authority for each accounting period in the form of contribution. Out of this amount, an amount of one percent (1%) on the net proceeds from a bet is allocated by the Authority for the purpose of strengthening the mechanisms and protection programmes for young persons and addicted gamblers.