Gambling Laws in Cyprus

Cyprus is an interesting island country which is split into the Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. This mix of Turkish and Cypriot cultures is largely responsible for the country's somewhat strict rules regarding gambling.

Which Types of Gambling Are Legal in Cyrpus?

The situation in Cyprus can be summed up quite easily: offline gambling is largely legal, while online gambling is mostly illegal. However, as is the case in other jurisdictions, there are some exceptions.

Wagering in Land-Based Venues and Online Casinos

Like a few EU countries, Cyprus has legalised land-based casino gaming, but there are conditions. Operators can only apply for a licence if their venue is part of a resort, hotel or spa. Currently, there are around 40 establishments by this definition, most of which are in Northern Cyprus. Only table and card games are permitted in such casinos, with up to 50 slot machines allowed in various smaller slot halls.

Despite EU regulations which permit fair competition, online casinos are illegal in Cyprus. The only exception is OPAP, the Greek lottery company, which offers lotto, sports betting and a small selection of casino games. EU rules mean players cannot be punished for playing online casino slots, RNG tables or live dealer games at sites outside of Cyprus though. However, the country's internet service providers still block some of the biggest online casinos from having access.

Playing Poker

Offline poker is legal but only within existing casinos, via table games and poker machines. There are no poker halls in the country. 

Online poker is illegal in Cyprus, with ISPs actively banning these sites. Again, since residents cannot be prosecuted for playing at offshore sites, they have access to all the best European casinos online.

Bingo Betting

Bingo is known locally as Tombola or Tompola and is legal in Cyprus. It can be found in the country's casinos or the 15 or so standalone halls. The game is very popular, particularly with the younger generation.

On the other hand, online bingo is illegal in Cyprus with ISPs blocking sites to prevent residents from accessing them, despite this being a breach of EU laws.

Purchasing Lottery Tickets

Both online and offline lotteries are legal in Cyprus. However, they are under the monopoly control of OPAP, the Greek lottery company. Players can buy tickets from local retailers or play online lottery games for real money via OPAP's website.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Social gambling (e.g. at free online casinos), skins gambling and loot boxes are unregulated and not specifically mentioned in Cyprus gambling laws. Though playing card games and bingo at private residences is allowed.

Cryptocurrencies are not yet recognised as an asset of value in Cyprus and are therefore not accepted at any gambling venues in the country. Online crypto casinos are a grey area when it comes to the laws. However, players cannot be prosecuted for accessing any of the offshore sites which target residents.

Sports Betting in Cyprus: Is It Legal?

Offline and online sports betting is legal and offered by OPAP and other licensed companies. However, there are a couple of exceptions. Dog racing betting is illegal, and while horse race betting is legal, it remains the monopoly of the Nicosia Race Club and cannot be offered by anyone else. In addition, only fixed-odds sports betting is permitted.

Cyprus Minimum Age to Gamble

The legal gambling age in Cyprus is 18, although some venues require customers to be at least 21 to enter the premises.

Cyprus Gambling Tax Regulations

All operators are required to pay taxes based on their services. There's a general rate of 13%, with 3% consisting of a mandatory donation that goes towards non-profit organisations for preventing addiction. OPAP is charged a 20% tax on winnings exceeding €5,000, and licensed casino operators are subject to a 15% tax on gross gambling revenue.

Players are also charged taxes on their winnings from gambling, based on the personal income tax rate every year.

History of Gambling Laws in Cyprus

Most activities were illegal right up until 2012, at which point the country's main Betting Law came into effect. This made gambling at land-based casinos and online and offline sports betting legal (under licence). However, all other forms offered by online gambling sites are still illegal, except OPAP's products. This has sparked protests by the traditional Muslim community of Northern Cyprus and international gambling operators in recent years.

Key Facts

• Land-based casino gaming is legal. Premises must be part of a resort, hotel or spa, and operators are required to hold a licence

• Online casino, poker and bingo gambling are illegal. This contravenes EU laws regarding fair competition, so many players continue to gamble via foreign sites.

• Online and offline lottery games are legal. OPAP the Greek lottery company, monopolizes gambling in Cyprus though.

• Online and offline sports betting is legal. OPAP and international sportsbooks offer all markets, except dog race betting, which is illegal. Horse race betting is the sole domain of the Nicosia Race Club.