Overview of iGaming Regulation in Cyprus

As the global iGaming industry grows, more entrepreneurs are turning to Cyprus as a strategic base of operations. Thanks to its EU membership, attractive tax policies, and professional service ecosystem, Cyprus has become a prime location — especially for sports betting platforms, B2B service providers, and support operations.

However, understanding the regulatory environment is essential to operating legally and sustainably.

In this guide, we’ll break down the current iGaming regulation in Cyprus, what types of services are allowed, how licensing works, and what compliance obligations exist for operators.

🏛️ Who Regulates iGaming in Cyprus?

The iGaming sector in Cyprus is regulated by the National Betting Authority (NBA) — an independent public body established under the Betting Law of 2019. The NBA is responsible for:

Issuing and renewing licenses
Monitoring licensed operators
Enforcing responsible gambling policies
Ensuring compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules

This centralized authority helps maintain regulatory consistency and professionalism across the industry.

📜 The Betting Law of 2019

The Betting Law of 2019 is the primary legislation that governs iGaming in Cyprus. It replaced the previous 2012 law to provide a modern legal framework aligned with EU standards.

Under the law, two main types of licenses are issued:

🔹 Class A – Land-Based Betting License

Authorizes betting operations in physical premises (e.g., licensed betting shops across Cyprus).

🔹 Class B – Online Betting License

Authorizes online sports betting and pool betting activities. This is the main license sought by iGaming operators who want to launch sportsbook platforms based in Cyprus.

❌ What Is

Not

Allowed in Cyprus?

Cyprus currently does not issue licenses for online casino games such as:

Slots
Online poker
Blackjack, roulette, or live casino tables

These games are restricted under local law and can only be offered by monopoly operators, such as Cyprus Casinos (C2) under the Integrated Casino Resort license granted to Melco Resorts & Entertainment.

If your platform includes casino or poker offerings, you will need to explore multi-jurisdictional licensing strategies using alternative jurisdictions (e.g., Curacao or Malta) while maintaining your operational or financial hub in Cyprus.

👉 Learn how to structure a compliant iGaming business with Enalian.

📝 Licensing Process: How to Get an iGaming License in Cyprus

To obtain a Class B license, applicants must meet strict criteria set by the NBA.

Minimum Requirements:

Register a Cyprus Limited Company
Appoint at least one local director
Submit detailed business plan and technical documentation
Host servers physically within Cyprus
Integrate real-time data access for the regulator

Documentation Includes:

Articles of association
Clean criminal records for directors/shareholders
AML and KYC policies
Internal control procedures

Application Fees:

Application: €30,000–€50,000 (depending on license duration)
License validity: 1 or 2 years
Bank guarantee: €550,000 required

The NBA typically processes applications within a 2–3 month period, assuming full documentation is provided.

🔐 Compliance & Supervision

Licensed operators in Cyprus must comply with ongoing obligations, including:

AML & KYC compliance aligned with EU directives
Data protection under the GDPR
Responsible gambling policies, such as self-exclusion tools
Audits & reporting, including financial statements and activity logs

Failure to comply can result in:

Fines and penalties
Suspension or revocation of the license
Blacklisting of domains and banking services

🌍 Cross-Border Considerations

While Cyprus does not offer a pan-European iGaming license, its EU membership helps operators benefit from:

Easier access to EU-based payment providers
Favorable double tax treaties (DTTs) with over 60 countries
Easier setup of cross-border holding structures

For operators serving non-Cyprus markets, a Cyprus-based company can act as a B2B platform, development hub, or marketing entity under an international licensing setup.

🧩 Common Use Cases for Cyprus-Based iGaming Structures

Sportsbook Operators: Licensed under Class B to serve international bettors.
Platform Providers: Offering white-label or turnkey sportsbook solutions.
Payment Aggregators: Managing risk and reconciliation under EU regulation.
Affiliate Networks: Leveraging Cyprus’s tax efficiency for global marketing.
Back Office Hubs: Hosting support, compliance, and tech teams.

👉 Need help tailoring a compliant setup? Check out Enalian’s iGaming & E-Commerce Solutions.

🔄 Regulatory Outlook: What’s Changing?

Cyprus is continually updating its legal framework to remain competitive and in line with EU trends. In the future, we may see:

Expansion of licensing to include online casinos
Enhanced monitoring through AI-based tools
Stricter enforcement of responsible gambling obligations

Staying updated on these changes is vital for operators seeking long-term stability and scalability.

Final Thoughts

The regulatory environment for iGaming in Cyprus is transparent, structured, and EU-aligned, making it an excellent base for legal and compliant betting operations. While current restrictions limit casino licensing, opportunities abound for sportsbook platforms, B2B providers, affiliates, and support services.

By understanding and aligning with the NBA’s framework, businesses can operate securely while leveraging Cyprus’s many advantages — from tax benefits to banking credibility.

Looking to obtain an iGaming license in Cyprus or expand your operations?

Contact Enalian Consulting for expert support across company formation, regulatory compliance, payment setup, and licensing strategies.