Is Online Betting Legal in Cyprus?

Indeed, you're good to go with online sports betting in Cyprus – it's legal and under the watchful eye of the local government.

What betting offers can I find at Cyprus sportsbooks?

A sizable selection of the most well-liked markets for basketball, tennis, futsal, football, and other less popular sports are available at sportsbooks in Cyprus.

How do I find a trustworthy bookmaker in Cyprus?

For the top-notch and trustworthy bookmaker that suits your betting preferences, take a look at our list highlighting the best betting sites in Cyprus.

What are the bonuses and promotions offered to sports punters in Cyprus?

Punters may discover special promotions on sports betting websites in Cyprus, including cashback, free bets, deposit bonuses, VIP loyalty programs, and welcome packages.

Is live betting possible in Cyprus?

If the site permits it, Cyprus welcomes live betting. Live-streaming and in-play betting, sought-after features among bettors, are covered by some bookies in our list of best sports betting sites in Cyprus.

Sports Betting Online in Cyprus 2024

Last update at 1 December, 2024⏲️ Reading time: 13 minutes

If you are in Cyprus, and you need a bookmaker you can trust your money with, then you are in the right place. In this complete guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about online betting in Cyprus. You’ll also get to know what top Cyprus betting sites have to offer for their customers.

Cyprus, an island in Europe, has a ton of bettors. Ever since the government regulated gambling in 2012, betting has been very prosperous for the government, operators, and punters.

List of Best Bookmakers in Cyprus

Rank	Bookmaker	Rating	Bonus	Get bonus
1	888Starz	4.3/5	100% welcome bonus up to €1,000	Play Read review
2	MegaPari	4.5/5	100% welcome bonus up to €100	Play Read review
3	1xBet	4.5/5	Welcome Bonus up to 100 EUR	Play Read review
4	22Bet	4.5/5	100% welcome bonus up to €122	Play Read review
5	20Bet	4.5/5	100% WELCOME BONUS UP TO 100 EUR	Play Read review

History of online betting in Cyprus

Let’s throw it back to when Cyprus gained Independence from Great Britain in 1960, when the first national lottery was established in the country. However, the first time sports betting started was in 2012. The Cyprus authorities introduced a Betting Law in 2012, which led to the creation of the National Betting Authority (NBA).

The National Betting Authority's purpose is to oversee the operation of gambling activities in Cyprus. Nevertheless, traditional betting agencies are more supervised than online betting brands.

In 2019, the Betting Law of 2012 went through an amendment in Cyprus, initiating additional details to the legislation and incorporating minor changes. Under this law, Cyprus offers two primary licenses to sports betting companies: Class A and Class B. The Class A license is meant for land-based platforms, while the Class B license is for various online betting brands.

How is online betting regulated in Cyprus?

Until 2012, Cypriot players engaged with various international bookmakers in an unregulated market. The government introduced the Betting Law of 2012, establishing rules and regulating the domestic online betting market. The National Betting Authority (NBA), founded later on, issues licenses to new Cyprus betting sites, monitors operators, and maintains a blacklist of over 2,500 unlicensed domains.

The licenses, Class A for land-based and Class B for online services, come with some requirements. Operators must be registered under a company with shares in Cyprus's financial market or be physically registered abroad while partnering with a Cypriot company, especially for football and sports-related betting.

License renewal, occurring yearly or biennially, involves fees of €30,000 or €45,000, respectively. The 2019 amendment prohibits Class B licensees from offering certain betting products, such as exchange betting, greyhound and horse racing betting.

Violations lead to penalties, including imprisonment and fines, but the government faces challenges in enforcing these on offshore bookmakers. Consequently, many players prefer offshore bookies due to broader betting markets, and a perceived absence of fines or prosecutions for opening accounts with them.

Top 5 best online betting sites in Cyprus

Ready to start an online betting in Cyprus? Check out our review of the best and most trusted sportsbooks in the country. Take a look at each platform's brief description and website layout to find the perfect bookie for your betting experience. It's time to make your move and place that first wager on a sports match!

#1 PariMatch

Whether you're just starting out or already know your way around, Parimatch has a bunch of cool extras for you. Get welcome bonuses and jump into a loyalty program once you've signed up and started playing. Just like any other betting site, Parimatch gives odds for each market, showing how likely a specific outcome is.

BONUS	REQUIREMENTS	MIN. DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT METHODS	PROCESSING TIME
€30 Free Bet + 100% Bonus First Deposit	You need to be verified before accessing the free bet bonus	€10	eWallets, Bitcoin, Bank Transfer, and credit/debit cards	Instant

#2 Bet365

If you're after a top-notch betting site with a solid record, a legit gaming license, and a wide range of markets and betting options, Bet365 is a smart pick. As one of the major players in the global betting industry, it proudly flaunts its reputation. With 24/7 support and an extensive Help section on the website, they've got you covered whether you prefer a chat or self-help.

BONUS	REQUIREMENTS	MIN. DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT METHODS	PROCESSING TIME
Up to €50 in Bet Credits	You must turn it over five times	€5	Bank Transfer, eWallets, and credit/debit cards	Instant

#3 MeridianBet

Meridianbet stepped onto the industry back in 2008, making them experienced players in the online bookie game. They've got the experience to earn your trust. Impressively, new players are welcomed with a 100% bonus. The odds offered to members are quite appealing, especially for English Premier League football betting, where Meridianbet excel the most.

BONUS	REQUIREMENTS	MIN. DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT METHODS	PROCESSING TIME
100% Welcome Bonus	You must bet on a sportsbook market with odds of over 2.0	€2	eWallets, and credit/debit cards	Instant

#4 N1Bet

N1Bet.com have over 40 sports, covering everything from football and basketball to winter sports and badminton, boasting an impressive overall payout of 94%. N1Bet doesn't just focus on betting; its user-friendly website adapts seamlessly to smartphones, although a mobile app is not available yet. And for any inquiries, their 24/7 Customer Support is just a message away.

BONUS	REQUIREMENTS	MIN. DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT METHODS	PROCESSING TIME
300% N1Bet Bonus in Free Bets up to €5,000	You must place a bet worth over €10 on over 1.50 odds before receiving the bonus.	€20	Bitcoin, eWallets, and credit/debit cards	Instant

#5 CampeonBet

Since its establishment in 2017, Campeon has become popular in Cyprus. It's quite uncommon for a relatively new betting site to provide a variety of betting markets and events regularly. While Cash Out is available in major sports until late minutes, it's limited to Full Cash Out, lacking Auto and Partial options. Live Streaming is offered, but mainly for minor sports such as eSports and Table Tennis.

BONUS	REQUIREMENTS	MIN. DEPOSIT	DEPOSIT METHODS	PROCESSING TIME
150% Bonus up to €150	You must place a bet worth over €10 on over 2.50 odds before receiving the bonus.	€10	Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, eWallets, and credit/debit cards	Instant

What do we take into account when picking the best bookmaker in Cyprus?

Before including any platform in our review, we carefully inspect each one to help users choose the best betting sites in Cyprus. Every website inevitably has pros and cons, thus even though we focus on the positive aspects, we never neglect to evaluate each platform fairly.

1
Odds
We prioritize odds and bookmakers' margins, crucial aspects of any sports betting site. Seeking the most profitable numbers is paramount, especially for live matches and major tournaments. We focus on bookmakers in Cyprus offering strong odds compared to competitors.
2
Mobile Compatibility
Most top betting sites in Cyprus provide official mobile applications for iPhones and Android devices, reflecting the trend of mobile betting. We assess the mobile compatibility of each sportsbook to ensure accessibility for users on the go.
3
Available Payment Options
While virtual currencies like bitcoin are restricted, there are various payment methods for online betting in Cyprus. Bookmakers should offer legit payment options, including credit/debit cards and e-wallets, catering to the diverse preferences of bettors.
4
Bonuses and Promotions
Our review includes an evaluation of the scope of bonuses and promotions offered by bookmakers. From welcome gifts to deposit bonuses, free bets, cashback, and VIP memberships, we examine the conditions and wagering requirements associated with each bonus.
5
Bet Types
A wide selection of betting markets and bet types enhance the betting experience. We look for bookmakers in Cyprus that offer a diverse range of bet types for both popular and niche sports, catering to different preferences.
6
Support Work Quality
Effective communication channels are vital for addressing user issues. A reputable sportsbook must provide 24/7 live chat, email support, and a phone number. Additional points are given to bookmakers with active social media pages for regular updates.
7
Trustworthiness
Legitimacy is crucial, requiring a valid sportsbook to hold relevant licenses. Having multiple licenses adds credibility. User reviews are also considered to ensure the bookmaker's reliability, contributing to our assessment of trustworthiness.

How to bet online in Cyprus

Once you've chosen the sportsbook you fancy, the next step is creating your account – a quick and hassle-free process. It'll only take a few minutes and involves just a handful of steps, getting you ready to place your very first bet in no time:

Choose Your Sportsbook
step 1
Visit the sportsbook of your choice and locate the "Sign Up" or "Register" button.
Initiate the Registration Process
step 2
Begin the registration by providing the necessary details, such as your username, password, email address, date of birth, and residence.
Complete Registration and Verification
step 3
Finish the registration process and verify your account by clicking the link to your email.
Deposit Funds
step 4
Go to the banking section, choose your preferred payment method, and make your initial deposit. Check for any available deposit bonuses for new users and claim them before completing the deposit.
Check out the Available Betting Markets
step 5
Once your account is funded, navigate the sportsbook's available betting markets. Check the odds and select the match or event you want to bet on.
Place Your Bet
step 6
Decide the amount you want to bet, add the selection to your bet slip, and confirm the bet. Be aware of live betting or in-play options if you want to place bets during the game.
KYC Verification
step 7
Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification as soon as possible to avoid withdrawal delays. KYC verification may take up to a week, so initiating it early is advisable.
Withdraw Winnings
step 8
Once your bet is settled and you have winnings, scroll to the withdrawal section. Choose your preferred withdrawal method and follow the instructions to cash your winnings.

New Betting Sites in Cyprus December 2024

Ever since the Cyprus government give online betting platforms a go-ahead, there has been an influx of new betting brands in the country. Many world class betting agencies want to tap from this fresh market.

After an in-depth research, we've come up with a list of new betting sites that are making waves in Cyprus. Here they are:

🌟 PariMatch: PariMatch, in operation since 1996 and online since 2000, offers punters a diverse selection of over 25 sports for betting, ensures swift withdrawals within one business day, and provides some of the most competitive odds in the market.
🚀 Bet365: Choosing Bet365 as your bookmaker in Cyprus comes with excellent features: swift withdrawals, a wide range of over 45 sports, numerous additional bets on top leagues, and generous payouts, especially on popular sports like tennis, favored by Cypriot punters.
⚽ MeridianBet: The third entry on our list is MeridianBet, an established bookmaker that joined the sports betting scene in 2008. This bookie provides favorable odds for both popular and secondary events, enhanced odds on selected live matches, and a feature-rich interface with live schedules and regularly updated scoreboards.
📱 N1BET: Until recently, the SoftSwiss platform, also the owner of N1 brands, primarily concentrated on the casino and payment sectors. Despite the newness of the sportsbook, it comes with specific advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of.
⏱ CampeonBet: It's very rare for a recently established betting site to offer a wide range of betting markets and events. The localization is impressive, featuring multiple languages and offering local payment methods and currencies for Cypriot punters to bet conveniently.

Best sports betting apps in Cyprus

We've highlighted the popularity of mobile betting, and guess what? In Cyprus, you can easily place your bets using just your phone! Check out our list below for the top betting apps catering to Cypriot sports enthusiasts.