Legal Betting in Cyprus

A Comprehensive Review of the Legality of Betting in Cyprus

The Cypriot regulated betting market is influenced by its legal framework, which has shaped sports betting habits. This article examines the legal aspects, popular betting companies, regulations, and preferences of Cypriot bettors. It also covers responsible gambling schemes and the economic effects of betting to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market.

Legality of Betting in Cyprus

Legal gambling in Cyprus includes lotteries, casinos, and betting shops, though other forms may exist as the law does not explicitly cover all types. Legislation aims to regulate the industry, ensure consumer protection, transparency, and state oversight. The National Betting Authority (NBA) licenses operators, supervises compliance, and enforces regulations. Sports betting, both online and offline, is permitted, but online casinos and poker are illegal except for operators licensed through a tender process. This reflects Cyprus’s balanced approach to gaming, prioritizing revenue and responsible regulation.

Class A licences apply to high street betting shops, while Class B licences are for online sports betting operators. Operators must meet strict requirements, including financial stability, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling provisions. The law prohibits betting on virtual dog racing and restricts online horse betting to the Nicosia Race Club monopoly.

Popular Betting Platforms

Cyprus hosts both international and local bookmakers, with online sports betting being the most accessible form of online gambling. Leading international platforms like Bet365, Parimatch, and Betway operate with Class B licences, offering diverse sports markets, competitive odds, and user-friendly interfaces. These platforms support Cypriot bettors with EUR currency options and multilingual interfaces in Greek, Turkish, and English.

Local operators, such as OPAP Cyprus and Meridianbet, hold significant market share. OPAP, originally a Greek monopoly, has adapted to the Cypriot market with online sports betting services tailored to local sports preferences. Live betting and mobile applications enhance accessibility and engagement.

Local Betting Offices

Class A-licensed betting shops are located in cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. These land-based venues offer traditional betting services for those who prefer in-person interactions or lack computer access. Chain operators like OPAP and Stoiximan dominate, providing sports betting, over-the-counter cash betting, and fixed-odds betting terminals. These venues feature large screens for live sports, fostering a communal atmosphere.

Betting shops are tightly regulated, with age restrictions (minimum 18) and limited operating hours (typically 10am to 10pm). They serve as social hubs where punters exchange tips and discuss sports, reinforcing betting’s cultural significance. Despite digital advancements, these shops remain popular, especially among older demographics.

Betting Control Acts

The Betting Law of 2012, amended in 2018 and 2019, forms the foundation of Cyprus’s betting legislation. Key provisions include:

• Licensing: Operators must obtain a licence from the NBA, renewable every two years, and pay betting revenue taxes.
• Consumer Protection: Operators must implement deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and clear terms of service.
• Restricted Activities: Online casino gambling and poker are prohibited for Cypriot citizens, except for a few licensed international operators. Unauthorized gambling incurs fines and penalties.
• Taxation: Operators pay a 10% tax on net betting revenue, with 3% allocated to sports federations and social causes.
• Marketing Restrictions: Advertising must not target minors or promote excessive gambling, adhering to ethical standards.

The NBA conducts audits to ensure compliance, with non-compliant operators facing licence revocation or legal action. These laws promote fairness and responsibility.

Most Bet-On Sports

Football dominates Cyprus’s betting scene, reflecting its status as a national passion. Bettors wager on the Cyprus First Division and major European tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and La Liga. Common bet types include match results, goal totals, player appearances, and team performance.

Basketball is another significant market, with interest in the Cyprus Basketball League, NBA, and EuroLeague. Tennis attracts bettors due to its fast-paced nature and diverse markets. Horse racing, managed by the Nicosia Race Club, remains a niche market. Emerging sports like esports, including Counter-Strike and League of Legends, are gaining traction among younger bettors but represent a smaller market share.

Responsible Gambling Measures

Cyprus prioritizes responsible gambling to mitigate addiction and financial harm. The NBA mandates operators to offer self-exclusion options, wager limits, and links to support resources. Public awareness campaigns educate bettors about gambling risks, and anonymous helplines are available. Betting shops and operators must display responsible gambling messages and train staff to identify at-risk individuals. These measures balance industry growth with social well-being.

Economic Impact of Betting

The betting industry contributes significantly to Cyprus’s economy through taxes, job creation, and investment. Operator taxes fund public services like health and education. Betting offices and related businesses provide employment, particularly in urban areas. The regulated market attracts international operators, boosting foreign investment and positioning Cyprus as a regional hub for regulated gambling. However, illegal gambling undermines state revenue and regulatory efforts.

Additional Information

• Minimum betting age: 18
• Licensed betting shops: Approximately 600 across Cyprus
• Main governing body: National Betting Authority (NBA)
• Licence renewal frequency: Every two years
• Unauthorized gambling activities: Online dog race betting, unauthorized online casino gambling, and online poker

Betting Statistics

Metric	Details
Annual betting revenue	€600 million (estimated)
Licensed online operators	25+
Popular payment methods	Credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets
Tax rate on net betting revenue	10%
Most bet-on sport	Football (65% of total bets)

Conclusion

Cyprus’s betting market operates under the Betting Law of 2012, regulated by the National Betting Authority. Sports betting thrives on platforms like Bet365 and OPAP, while local betting offices remain popular. The absence of online casinos and poker reflects a cautious approach. Football leads as the most bet-on sport, followed by basketball and tennis. Responsible gambling initiatives and economic contributions ensure a balance between industry growth and social responsibility. As Cyprus refines its laws, the market remains open and accommodating for operators and bettors.