Cyprus Gambling Sites and Law
Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean that has a very long and interesting history.
It is the third-largest and third most populated island in the Mediterranean, having just over 1.1 million residents.
While the Republic of Cyprus is legally recognized as a single sovereign state, it is actually divided into two separate parts.
An area consisting of about 59% of the island’s land mass in the south and west are in control of the Republic but the north part of the country is occupied by Turkish forces.
There is also a UN buffer zone between the two regions. With such a political situation, betting in Cyprus and the issue of Cyprus betting sites and sports betting exchanges are often a hazy and muddled affair, as you might imagine.
One could easily be forgiven for asking “is gambling legal in Cyprus, and if so, where?” Very recently, Cypriot betting laws were amended to allow a single casino to operate.
This casino is required to be integrated with a hotel and will offer most traditional casino table games and gaming machines.
Each district is also permitted to allow a single licensed gaming establishment, but these smaller operations will only be allowed to offer slot machines and other VLTs.
The Turkish-occupied region doesn’t really abide by Cypriot gaming laws. This region has several fully operational casinos.
That answers the question of “is gambling legal in Cyprus?” but where does Cyprus stand on online gambling?
Top 10 Gambling Sites for Cyprus in 21 November 2024 – Updated List
What are the best Cyprus Gambling Sites and Promotions?
Online gambling is strictly forbidden with the exception of sports betting sites that have a pass. Cypriots cannot participate in online casinos, poker, bingo, or any other activity except for sports betting. It is obviously a tall order to stop online gaming and many of the respected bookmakers by country accept players from Cyprus.
It should be noted that internet providers in Cyprus have blocked many of these international gambling companies and there have been cases of Cypriot internet gamblers being arrested. The authorities actively conduct gambling raids here.
For those brave Cypriots that want to participate in online casino gaming, Slotty Vegas is one of the highest-rated sites on which to enjoy casino gaming. They are offering a €350 casino bonus and 135 free spins to Cypriot players. Zet Casino and TornadoBet are offering €500 casino bonuses and Novibet has up to €250 in bonuses available.
Players who want a touch of anonymity when online gambling in Cyprus – which is certainly understandable – may wish to try crypto betting and it can be with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Specialist casinos can offer digital currency bonuses, too. These include the 1.5BTC and 250 free spins offer from Fortune Jack, and Wild Tornado’s 0.03 BTC and 150 free spins offer.
None of these domains count as technically legal online casinos in Cyprus, but very few sites do. If you engage in gambling in Cyprus, the odds are that you’re going to have to venture to offshore sites, such as Bermuda gambling sites and taxes.
These and many more betting bonuses are found through Gamblingjudge.com’s casino promotions section. They are easy to claim and easy to use although it is high recommended that you read the terms and conditions that apply to each one.
How Regulated is the Cypriot Gambling Market?
If the Cypriot gambling market can be summed up in two words, those words would be “tightly” and “regulated”. Aside from the state lottery, horse racing, and a few sports betting shops, there is only one legal casino operating here. Cypriot gambling laws are strict and the authorities are very active in the fight against illegal gambling. They have even arrested little old ladies enjoying poker and gin rummy!
That being said, there is another twist in Cyprus’ gambling law which we need to look at. The country does provide betting licenses. However, a Cyprus issued gambling license won’t be valid for many national casinos. Instead, it is offered to offshore casinos and their mobile betting sites – hypocrisy, it seems, knows no bounds.
Is Gambling Legal in Cyprus? What is the Legal Age?
Cyprus offers limited wagering opportunities. Lotteries, horse racing, and betting on sports have been legal for a few years and recent laws have allowed for one casino that offers table games and slots. Each region is allowed to operate a gaming room that houses slot machines and VLTs.
Sports betting is the only form of online gaming that is legal. That means no online casinos, live betting, poker rooms, bingo, or any other form of internet gambling is permitted. If you are wondering how old you have to be to bet online in Cyprus, the legal age to place a bet here is 18, the same age you have to be to gamble at Hungary gambling sites – where you can use HUF for betting and gambling. These laws and regulations are ignored in the Turkish-occupied region.
Does Cyprus Tax Gambling Winnings?
Gamblers in Cyprus are not taxed on their winnings with the exception of OPAP (lottery) winnings exceeding €5,000. Cypriot gambling license holders must pay taxes on revenues and through licensing fees.
What Currencies and Payment Methods to Cypriot Players Generally Use?
As a member of the European Union, the official currency of Cyprus is the Euro. It is accepted at all land-based gambling establishments, as well as online betting sites. Even though online casino gambling is illegal, Cypriot players have many bookmakers by deposit and withdrawal options available.
The most common and widely accepted method of payment is by major credit card like Visa and Mastercard. EWallets like Skrill and Neteller are also frequently used and accepted by most gambling sites for Cyprus residents. Wire transfers and prepaid cards like PaySafe are also accepted at most online casinos.
Be sure to check with your preferred online casino to find out what payment options are available and if you are from a non-EU country, look for multi-currency betting sites. Sports betting and online casino action in Cyprus is a risky and complicated affair. Even so, by using Gambling Judge, you will find somewhere handy, appropriate and safe to bet online.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, online gambling is prohibited in Cyprusever since 2012, except for sports betting
No, as gabling is illegal in Cyprus. You can be safe if you gamble from outside of Cyprus, use a VPN, or choose sports betting instead.
Yes, Cyprian casinos offer no-deposit bonuses, loyalty rewards, high-roller bonuses, match bonuses and many others
Online casinos from Cyprus accept credit & debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies.