The National Betting Authority (NBA) recommended to the House of Representatives that the draft law proposing an increase in betting taxation should be notified to the European Commission three months before its enactment. Ioanna Fiakou, President of the Authority, expressed this opinion during a session with the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Affairs.

The Committee began article-by-article discussion of an amendment bill on betting, which includes raising the percentage on net earnings from betting, paid by the Cyprus Sports Organization to the Cyprus Football Association for the purpose of supporting football teams and their academies, from 1.5% to 3%.

Addressing the Committee, Ms. Fiakou stated that based on their opinion, which contrasts with that of the Legal Service, the tax increase affecting online betting, according to European Commission Directive 15/35, must be notified to the Commission three months prior to the legislation's enactment. "This is our stance," she said, recalling that there was a complaint to the Commission when the 2012 law was amended in 2019.

A representative from the Legal Service noted that this is a modification of national legislation but reserved judgment to further examine the matter and respond.

Furthermore, Lousi Herodotou-Mouskou, Director of Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance, responding to a related question, stated that the draft had been reviewed by the State Aid Control Commissioner and confirmed that state aid is not at issue, provided there is no differentiation in plans.

Today's session once again expressed concern over the tax increase to support football clubs, which are private companies.

Ms. Herodotou presented data regarding the tax liabilities of football clubs, adding that there is a repayment plan in effect since late March 23, allowing for tax repayments in 168 installments, spanning 14 years.