The Cyprus Parliament debated and ultimately rejected a legislative proposal by MP Stavros Papadouris of the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens' Cooperation to ban donations from companies in the gambling and betting sector to political parties, focusing primarily on sponsorships from OPAP. The proposal was defeated with 27 votes against and 7 in favor.

Papadouris argued that 2% of OPAP’s gross earnings are allocated to social and charitable causes without state oversight. He asserted that, while legal, this practice is not politically ethical, as funds intended for social and athletic purposes are funneled into party coffers. He also highlighted that OPAP's 2024 contract increases sponsorship allocations to 5%.

Papadouris criticized parties accepting funds designated for athletes, especially those already receiving state funding, arguing that OPAP, unlike private companies, was mandated by Parliament to provide sponsorships.

DISY MP Dimitris Dimitriou dismissed the proposal as "self-flagellation" for political parties, emphasizing that donations exceeding €500 are publicly disclosed, with an annual donor cap set at €50,000. He suggested that OPAP’s contributions should be fully transparent rather than banned and criticized the Independent Social Support Agency for refusing to disclose funds received from OPAP.

AKEL Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou warned that banning private donations could lead to the collapse of political parties, which he deemed dangerous for democracy. He advocated for transparency and oversight instead of an outright ban, arguing that taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of party survival. He also noted that OPAP funds have honored figures from across the political spectrum, not just left-wing representatives.

DIKO MP Christiana Erotokritou called such proposals insincere attempts to provoke public outrage, asserting that donations should either be permitted with full transparency or entirely replaced with 100% state funding. She argued that OPAP donations are no more problematic than contributions from land developers or supermarkets.

VOLT MP Alexandra Attalidou suggested increased scrutiny over OPAP’s board appointments and transactions with the state to prevent undue influence through donations.