Cyprus has a specific, sometimes surprising betting setup: online sports betting is licensed, but online casino games are banned in the Republic. Knowing that distinction keeps you on the right side of the law. Here’s the honest guide.

Legal Status & Regulator

Online sports betting is legal and licensed in the Republic of Cyprus, regulated by the National Betting Authority (NBA). Crucially, the law permits sports betting only online — online casino/slots-style gaming is prohibited in the Republic. So a site offering casino games to Cyprus players is operating outside the licensed framework, even if its sportsbook looks legitimate.

The NBA licenses operators (Class A for land-based, Class B for online betting), maintains the list of licensed bookmakers, and blocks unlicensed sites. (Note the separate legal regime in the north of the island.) The official register is the authority on legality.

What to Look For

  • NBA Class B licence. Confirm the operator is licensed for online betting in Cyprus.
  • Sports-only compliance. Be wary of sites pushing casino games to Cyprus players — that’s outside the licensed scope.
  • Greek/English support. Genuine local operators support both.
  • Player-protection tools. Deposit limits, self-exclusion and reality checks should be available.

Our best betting sites framework covers the full checklist, and our reviews go operator by operator.

Local Payments

Cyprus uses the euro (EUR). Common methods include Visa/Mastercard, bank transfers and popular e-wallets. Some payment options may be limited by the ban on online casino, so licensed sportsbooks keep payments cleanly within the betting framework. A declined card can reflect the issuer restricting gambling transactions.

Tax Note

Cyprus taxes operators via a levy on betting turnover rather than taxing players directly. For most recreational bettors, this means no personal tax filing on winnings — the burden sits with licensed operators. Rules can change, so confirm the current position with an official Cypriot source.

Safe Betting

Set deposit and loss limits early, use self-exclusion when you need a break, and remember the sports-only rule that defines legal online gambling here. We publish no tips and no guaranteed winners, because they don’t exist. Sticking to NBA-licensed sportsbooks keeps you inside a regulated, recourse-backed system.

Compare Cyprus with other EU markets via our betting by country hub, and if it stops being fun, our responsible gambling resources are here to help.

18+. Gambling laws vary and change — confirm your local rules. If it stops being fun, take a break — play responsibly.