In 2004, Cyprus joined the EU and since this was a period during which gambling was not regulated in any way in the island country, EU member states that have licensed online gambling were often open to Cypriots as well. It set up the legal framework for the regulation of the National Lottery and also banned private lotteries, with very few exceptions to the ban. Lotteries were also legalized on the island thanks to the Lotteries Law which was implemented in 1983. Later on, that law was amended several times throughout the years, providing better regulation for horse racing betting in Cyprus. In 1973, horse racing betting was legalized with the enactment of Law No.48. History of Gambling in Cyprusīefore most forms of gambling became legal in Cyprus, there were only a few activities that were allowed to residents of the island country. Due to the elusive gambling definitions of the Cyprus law, however, many unlicensed gaming and betting sites welcome players and punters from the country. The first one is for the purpose of authorizing land-based gambling activities, while the second one can license the organization of the few legal online gambling forms. Despite that, as the local authorities are not taking any serious measures to prevent gambling on unlicensed websites, Cyprus players are often resorting to gambling with unregulated online operators.Ĭurrently, the licensing body in Cyprus can issue two different types of gambling licenses to operators.

The gambling law of Cyprus went through several changes throughout the years but online gambling is still mostly unregulated. To be able to conduct gambling activities in Cyprus, operators are required to apply for a license from the National Betting Authority. With the implementation of the Betting Law of 2012, land-based gambling started being regulated in Cyprus, with this piece of legislation still being the law that governs gambling on the island. When it comes to the gambling industry in the country, we can say that most of its forms were not legalized up until 2012. It is a member of the EU and as such, it abides by the directives imposed by the Union.

Cyprus, officially known as the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country situated in the Mediterranean Sea.

Online casino in cyprus