Gambling in Cyprus in 2026: Laws, Online Casinos, Age Limits & What Players Need to Know

Cyprus is best known for its Mediterranean coastline, tourism industry, and strategic location between Europe and the Middle East. In recent years, however, another sector has gained increasing attention: gambling.

As regulatory structures have evolved, both land-based casinos and Cyprus online casino platforms have become part of the island’s broader economic landscape. For residents, expats, tourists, and investors alike, questions about legality, licensing, age limits, and taxation have become more frequent.

Understanding how gambling regulation works in Cyprus is not always straightforward. The island’s political division means that legal frameworks differ between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. In addition, online gambling operates under a structure that combines domestic regulation with international licensing environments.

This comprehensive 2026 guide provides a clear and structured overview of the current legal landscape. It explains how land-based casinos are regulated, how online gambling functions, what age restrictions apply, whether winnings are taxed, and how regulatory oversight is enforced.

Last updated: February 17, 2026

This guide is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest developments in Cyprus gambling regulation, in line with CyprusMe’s ongoing research and editorial standards.

This article is based on publicly available regulatory information, official commission updates, and current gambling legislation in both the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus.

Is Gambling Legal in Cyprus?

Yes, gambling is legal in Cyprus. However, the legal structure differs between:

• The Republic of Cyprus (South Cyprus) – internationally recognized and an EU member state

• Northern Cyprus – operating under a separate political system

Each jurisdiction regulates gambling differently. Understanding these differences is essential for both players and investors.

Gambling in the Republic of Cyprus (South Cyprus)

For many years, casino gambling in South Cyprus was heavily restricted. That changed with the introduction of legislation allowing integrated casino resorts, marking a turning point in the island’s entertainment and tourism strategy.

Today, land-based casinos operate legally under strict government supervision.

Who Regulates Gambling in South Cyprus?

The sector is overseen by the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission (CGCSC). This authority ensures that licensed casinos comply with:

• Financial transparency standards

• Anti-money laundering (AML) regulations

• Responsible gambling requirements

• Strict identity verification procedures

The legal gambling age in South Cyprus is:

21 years old

This applies to all land-based casino facilities without exception.

Land-Based Casinos in Cyprus

Modern casino resorts in Cyprus are designed as integrated entertainment destinations. They typically combine:

• Table games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker

• Large slot machine areas

• VIP gaming sections

• Restaurants, bars, and live entertainment

These establishments are built to attract both tourists and international high-end visitors, reinforcing Cyprus’ strategy as a premium leisure destination.

Security standards are high, and identity verification is mandatory before entry.

Online Gambling in Cyprus: What Is Legal?

Online gambling in Cyprus operates within a more complex framework.

Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting is clearly regulated and licensed domestically. Operators must comply with local supervision and regulatory reporting requirements.

Online Casino Gambling

Online casino Cyprus gaming is more nuanced. Cyprus does not widely issue domestic online casino licenses in the same way as Malta or the UK. However:

• Many international EU-licensed platforms accept players from Cyprus

• Players themselves are not criminalized for accessing foreign-licensed casinos

• Consumer protection depends largely on the operator’s licensing jurisdiction

This means residents commonly play on platforms licensed in Malta, Curacao, or other international regulatory environments.

When choosing an online casino, players should always verify:

• Valid gaming license

• Transparent terms and conditions

• Secure payment processing (SSL encryption)

• Responsible gambling tools

Gambling in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus has a long-established casino industry that plays a major role in the regional economy.

Unlike South Cyprus, casinos are widely integrated into hotel resorts and operate under a different regulatory structure.

Key Differences in Northern Cyprus:

• Gambling age is typically 18+

• Numerous hotel-based casinos operate

• The sector attracts significant international tourism

Northern Cyprus has positioned itself as a regional casino destination, particularly popular among visitors from Turkey and neighboring regions.

Because Northern Cyprus is not internationally recognized as a sovereign state (except by Turkey), its regulatory framework differs significantly from EU standards applied in the Republic of Cyprus.

Age Restrictions for Gambling in Cyprus

Age limits are strictly enforced.

In South Cyprus:

• Minimum age: 21 years

In Northern Cyprus:

• Minimum age: 18 years (in most establishments)

Online gambling platforms typically require players to be at least 18, though operators may apply stricter internal policies.

Identity verification is mandatory in regulated environments.

Are Gambling Winnings Taxed in Cyprus?

One of the most common questions is whether gambling winnings are taxable.

For most recreational players in the Republic of Cyprus:

• Gambling winnings are generally not taxed as personal income.

However:

• Professional gambling activities

• Structured or business-related betting

may fall under different tax interpretations.

Because tax law can change, players should consult a licensed tax advisor for personal circumstances.

Responsible Gambling and Player Protection

Modern gambling regulation in Cyprus emphasizes player safety.

Licensed operators in South Cyprus must provide:

• Self-exclusion programs

• Deposit and spending limits

• Clear responsible gambling information

• Support access for problem gambling

The regulatory environment aligns with broader European consumer protection standards.

Online platforms licensed within the EU are also required to implement similar safeguards.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

As an EU member state, the Republic of Cyprus follows strict anti-money laundering regulations.

Casinos and regulated betting operators must:

• Verify player identity (KYC procedures)

• Monitor suspicious transaction patterns

• Report large financial movements

• Maintain transparent accounting systems

While this increases compliance procedures, it also enhances financial security and institutional credibility.

Why Cyprus Became a Gambling Hub

Cyprus’ geographic location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it strategically positioned.

The introduction of integrated casino resorts strengthened:

• Tourism revenue

• Hospitality development

• Foreign direct investment

• Employment opportunities

Northern Cyprus, in particular, relies heavily on casino tourism as a pillar of its economic model.

Future Outlook: Gambling in Cyprus Beyond 2026

The gambling industry is evolving across Europe, and Cyprus is no exception.

Potential future developments may include:

• More structured online licensing

• Stricter advertising regulations

• Enhanced AML reporting systems

• Greater alignment with EU digital gambling standards

As the regulatory landscape continues to mature, Cyprus aims to balance economic growth with responsible oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gambling in Cyprus

Can tourists gamble in Cyprus?

Yes. Tourists can legally gamble in licensed land-based casinos, provided they meet age requirements.

Is online casino gambling allowed for residents?

Residents commonly access international platforms licensed in EU jurisdictions.

What is the legal gambling age in Cyprus?

21 in South Cyprus, generally 18 in Northern Cyprus.

Are online casinos safe?

Safety depends on licensing authority, transparency, and consumer protection standards.

Final Verdict: Is Gambling Legal in Cyprus?

Yes, gambling is legal in Cyprus — both land-based and online — but regulations differ between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus.

South Cyprus operates under strict EU-compliant regulation with a minimum gambling age of 21. Northern Cyprus maintains a more commercially flexible casino environment with an 18+ age limit.

Understanding these distinctions ensures that players can participate legally, safely, and responsibly.