Online Casinos in Cyprus in 2025
Despite legal uncertainty, the online casinos in Cyprus continue to expand—particularly through internationally licensed operators. These offshore platforms actively attract Cypriot players by offering familiar payment methods, multilingual customer support, and access to full casino portfolios. Keep reading to explore the current landscape of these casinos, key considerations for players, the regulatory nuances, and what to expect in terms of features and restrictions.
Understanding Online Gambling in Cyprus
Online Casinos Are Not Legal in Cyprus
The Betting Law of 2012 controls digital gambling in Cyprus, allowing only online sports betting. Operators need a Class B license from the National Betting Authority (NBA). Online slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker are banned.
Players Use Offshore Casinos Anyway
Despite the ban, Cypriot players still access foreign online casinos licensed in Curacao, Malta, and other offshore jurisdictions. These sites are outside local regulation, and access is unapproved but not penalised.
Law Blocks Operators, Not Players
Cyprus law targets unlicensed operators, not players. Land-based casinos are regulated locally, while online gambling continues through offshore platforms. These sites fill the gap without direct interference.
Land-Based Casinos Are Fully Legal
Physical casinos follow different rules. The Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission oversees licensed land-based casinos, including Europe’s largest integrated resort and several satellite venues.
Offshore Casinos Provide More Variety
Most online players choose international sites for more variety. These platforms offer live dealers, full casino libraries, flexible stakes, and popular payments. Players also value multilingual support and games unavailable locally.
Top-Rated Online Casinos for Cyprus Players in 2025
The top online casinos accepting Cyprus players come with international licensing, modern payment options, fast withdrawals, and simple bonus terms. These platforms also offer multilingual support and full mobile compatibility.
Players can register, deposit, and withdraw funds legally, as long as they meet the respective operator’s verification requirements. VPNs are not always necessary, but some players choose to use them for an extra layer of privacy.
| Feature | Casino |
|---|---|
| Best Online Casino with Fast Payouts | Wazbee |
| Top Online Casino with Exclusive VIP Club | Weiss |
| Casino with Mobile-First Experience | CosmicSlot |
Gambling in Cyprus Breakdown: From Past to Present
Modern gambling regulation in Cyprus began in the early 2000s. Before that, laws were inconsistent and loosely enforced. Lotteries were legal, and informal casino play was common in tourist areas.
In 2003, the Certain Games of Chance Law granted exclusive lottery rights to OPAP, a Greek operator—marking the start of formal state control. In 2012, the Betting Law replaced older rules, created the National Betting Authority (NBA), and banned online casino games.
Since then, only online sports betting has been permitted, and only through operators with a Class B license. Casino games like blackjack, roulette, and slots remain prohibited for online casino gambling.
In 2015, the government granted a single casino license to the Integrated Casino Resort Cyprus (ICRC) consortium. A temporary venue opened in Limassol, followed by the full City of Dreams Mediterranean resort in 2023, along with four satellite casinos in Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos, and Ayia Napa.
Key Gambling Milestones in Cyprus
- 2003 – OPAP granted monopoly on state gambling
- 2012 – Online casinos banned under the Betting Law
- 2015 – Casino license awarded to ICRC consortium
- 2023 – City of Dreams Mediterranean opens
Throughout all these changes, players in Cyprus have continued to access international online casinos, despite the legal restrictions.
In Northern Cyprus, the situation is different. Turkish Cypriots and tourists have access to over 30 land-based casinos. These are not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus, and southern residents are not legally permitted to gamble there under current laws.
Online Casino Regulation in Cyprus: Who Oversees It?
Online casino regulation in Cyprus falls under two separate authorities, neither of which currently licences internet-based casinos:
National Betting Authority (NBA)
The NBA enforces the 2012 Betting Law and issues two license types — Class A for land-based sports betting and Class B for online sportsbooks. It does not regulate online casinos.
The authority also maintains a public blacklist of banned gambling sites, which Cyprus internet providers are required to block. This list, covering unauthorised casinos and sportsbooks, is updated regularly.
However, enforcement has had little effect on player behaviour, as blocked casinos often return with new URLs, and access through browsers or VPNs remains common.
Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission
This separate body handles all land-based casino oversight. It licences casinos, reviews internal controls, and ensures compliance with rules on machine payouts, staffing, and responsible gambling measures. Its authority does not extend to any form of online gambling.
As of 2025, no legal framework exists for issuing online casino Cyprus licences. This leaves international operators as the only option for players seeking full casino access online.
Cyprus online casinos operate under international law. They are not regulated domestically, but their legal status remains unresolved at the player level. Enforcement targets providers, not individuals.
Offshore Casinos vs Local Options in Cyprus
Land-based and online casinos in Cyprus operate under completely different legal structures. One is locally licensed, while the other exists outside national regulation. Each offers different strengths as follows:
How We Evaluate Online Casinos for Players in Cyprus
Our Nightrush team has previously operated a casino platform, giving us direct insight into how backend systems work, how terms are structured, and what true fairness looks like. We bring that experience to every review, using the following criteria:
Licensing & Accountability
We thoroughly verify license numbers, assess the credibility of the issuing authorities, and examine the regulatory body’s history of enforcement actions.
Casino Bonus Rules & Terms
We only list the casinos with fair bonus terms and rules. We carefully examine every bonus for unclear wording, hidden restrictions, and excessive wagering.
Varied Payment Methods
We use every available method to deposit, play, and withdraw. We assess how quickly funds arrive, check for any fees, and minimum deposit/withdrawal.
Casino's Reputation
We assess casinos by reviewing player feedback, experiences, and how well they handle withdrawals, rewards, and support. This helps reveal a casino’s true reputation.
Payment Methods at Cyprus Gambling Operators
Cyprus-based players have access to a wide range of secure and fast payment methods when gambling online. Offshore casinos accepting Cypriot users typically support transactions in euros (€), offering localised deposit options, trusted international gateways, and even anonymous payment methods. Below are the most popular payment solutions for Cyprus online gambling:
Card Payments
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Deposits are typically instant, but withdrawals can take up to 5 business days—less ideal for players who want fast access.
E‑Wallets
Trusted global e‑wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and MuchBetter are popular in Cyprus. Deposits usually process instantly, and withdrawals clear within a day. The casinos often absorb any fees.
Instant Bank Transfers
Bank transfers remain a reliable option for many Cyprus players looking for speedy transactions. Services like Trustly enable instant transactions and, in some casinos, Pay N Play allows players to skip lengthy registration.
Local/Regional Wallets
Some casinos support lesser-known regional options like Jeton Wallet or Papara, which may offer smoother onboarding for mobile-first casinos familiar with such platforms.
Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin are supported by select top crypto casinos that accept Cyprus players, with blockchain transaction times typically under 30 minutes depending on network load.
| Withdrawal Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Skrill/Neteller | ~24 hrs |
| Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, LTC) | 0–2 hrs |
| MuchBetter | 0–24 hrs |
| Trustly | Instant with Pay N Play |
| Jeton Wallet | 0–24 hrs |
Online Casino Games for Cyprus Casino Players
Offshore online casinos available to Cyprus players offer a wide range of real-money casino games. These include everything from fast-paced slots and branded table games to live dealer experiences and niche titles tailored to local preferences. Mobile-optimised designs and localised interfaces ensure smooth gameplay, even on smaller screens.
- Online Slots: The most popular category, featuring fast spins, simple interfaces, and low volatility. Top-rated online slots usually feature Bonus Buys, cascading wins, free spins and multipliers.
- Table Games: Classic titles like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker are widely available in both RNG and live formats. European roulette is especially favoured for its low house edge.
- Live Casino Games: Cyprus players enjoy live tables hosted by leading game providers like Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech. Games come with pro dealers, multilingual support, and flexible betting limits.
- Crash and Instant Games: Games like Aviator, Spaceman, and JetX attract users who prefer shorter rounds and dynamic odds. These are especially popular at top new casinos.
- Crypto-Only Originals: At crypto casinos, Cyprus players can access exclusive games like Dice, Plinko, and Crash—often unavailable at traditional platforms.
Pros and Cons of Playing at Online Cyprus Casinos
Playing at offshore online casinos offers Cyprus players convenience, generous selection of bonuses, and fast access for online gaming. However, there are some important factors to consider before getting started:
How to Start Playing at Online Casinos from Cyprus
Playing casino games online from Cyprus is mostly unrestricted. International casinos offer easy access, provided users follow the rules and verify their accounts. Here’s how to get started quickly:
Choose a Licensed Casino
Choose the best online casino Cyprus licensed by reputable authorities such as Malta, Curaçao, or Gibraltar. Avoid casinos with unclear or missing licensing, since proper regulation ensures better player protection.
Create Your Account
Register using accurate personal information and set a strong, unique password. Enable two-factor authentication if available to protect your account from fraud and avoid suspension.
Complete Verification
Cyprus casinos typically require identity verification before accepting large deposits or processing withdrawals. Complete the verification as soon as possible to avoid any delays later on.
Claim Bonus & Start Playing
Use trusted payment methods to top-up your account and claim your welcome bonus with your first deposit. Once your bonus is credited, you can start playing the wide range of casino games with real money.
Is Online Gambling Winnings Taxed in Cyprus?
Cypriot players do not pay tax on gambling winnings because the tax responsibility lies mainly with licensed land-based casinos and sportsbooks. Since gambling websites are generally licensed abroad, their winnings fall outside Cyprus’s tax framework.
Winnings from foreign-licensed online casinos are not reported to local authorities, and players currently have no obligation to declare or pay tax on these funds. This may change in the future, but as of 2025, online gambling winnings remain tax-free for individuals.
Players must still comply with anti-money laundering (AML) procedures, as casinos may request source-of-funds proof for large withdrawals—a standard practice to meet licensing rules.
KYC Requirements for Cyprus Players
Some casinos accepting Cyprus players require identity verification as part of their licensing rules. Players must submit a clear photo ID (e.g. passport or ID card) and a recent proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. PO box addresses are usually not accepted.
Verification typically takes 1–2 days. While some casinos allow deposits before KYC, withdrawals are only processed once it is complete. Updating personal details may require new documents, so it’s best to verify early to avoid delays. Some no KYC casinos exist, but they are rare and typically operate under less strict offshore licenses.
Responsible Gambling Resources in Cyprus
Most international casinos accepting Cyprus-based players offer responsible gambling tools, typically found in the site footer or account settings. These may include:
Deposit Limits
Players can set deposit limits on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and also cap losses or restrict play time. These tools are easy to activate and can be adjusted at any time.
Time-Outs
Players can take a break by setting a time-out period ranging from one day to several months. During this time, login access is restricted, and some Cyprus online casinos also pause promotional emails and offers.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is a more long-term measure and one of the most effective responsible gambling tools. Casinos licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, Curaçao, or similar bodies are required to act on these requests promptly.
External Resources
Organisations like Gambling Therapy, BeGambleAware, and GamCare support players worldwide. These services are free and offer live chat, counselling, and multi-language help. There is currently no Cyprus-specific helpline, but players can use international networks without restriction.
Conclusion
Cypriot players can safely access international online casinos. Although online gambling is not locally regulated, licensed platforms offering euro payments, prompt withdrawals, and transparent terms provide a secure environment.
Popular games include slots, blackjack, and roulette, while crypto casinos and sports betting continue to expand. Flexible payment options such as Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrencies enhance convenience and privacy. Responsible gambling tools are available to support player protection.
FAQ
Can Players in Cyprus Join Online Casinos Legally?
Yes. Cyprus does not block players from joining offshore online casinos. However, always ensure the platform you are joining is duly licensed and secure. Most reputable casinos welcome registrations from Cypriot players without restrictions.
Are Euros Accepted by Cyprus Casino Sites?
Yes. Most online casinos accepting players from Cyprus support the euro (€) as a base currency. This avoids conversion fees and simplifies both deposits and withdrawals.
Which Payment Methods Work for Cyprus-Based Players?
Commonly accepted methods include Skrill, Neteller, Visa, MasterCard, and cryptocurrency wallets. Some casinos also support bank transfers and prepaid vouchers. Transaction speeds vary depending on the chosen method.
Are Winnings from Casino Gambling Taxed in Cyprus?
No. Individual players are not required to pay tax on gambling winnings. Any tax obligations fall on the casino operator, depending on their jurisdiction.
Do Casinos Require Identity Verification?
Most licensed online casinos accepting Cyprus players require identity verification, including a photo ID and proof of address. This process is typically completed within 48 hours.
