Legal online casinos in Cyprus

Legal regulations for online casinos in Cyprus

Legislation and licenses of bookmakers in the Republic of Cyprus

The Cyprus regulatory authority, which issuing online sportsbook betting licenses — the National Betting Authority of Cyprus. It is operating since 2012, based on the Law on Rates. There are six members in this Authority. It appointed by the Council of Ministers and a chairman. Each employee of the regulator has been working for three years; they can extend for another three years at the end of the term.

Illegal bookmakers and online casinos (slot machines, poker, bingo) are blocked and entered into the Blocking list. List of licensed offline and online bookmakers.

Primary responsibilities of the NBA:

• consideration of applications and issuance of licenses;
• controlling of offline and online bookmakers;
• review of complaints of players against licensees;
• criminal liability and penalty;
• cooperation with international organizations regulating betting odds.

By articles 60 and 61 of the Law on Rates of 2019 (L.37(I)/2019), Participate in online bets can be registered persons with a personal account. One user — one account.  

To register, the player must indicate:

• age (over 18 years old);
• personal data (first and last name);
• address of residence;
• active e-mail;
• confirmation that the player is informed about the conditions of bets.

The operator checks the user data within 30 days from the date of applying for registration. If the gambler provided incorrect information, the account is blocked.

Cyprus licensed online bookmaker must include:

• registered company name;
• registration address;
• Class B official number and date of issue;
• links to gambling help center;
• the rule that the bookmaker does not register minor players;
• offer to set the period during which the user can bid;
• information about the possibility of player's self-exclusion for a specific and indefinite period;
• user filing method and procedure.

Providers must protect all data and displayed information which necessary to the gambler.

Support for players and assistance to cybercriminals in Cyprus

The National Betting Authority at the legislative level regulates the process of handling complaints from players. Users can submit a request to the regulator by e-mail or by feedback forms.

In the form player needs to specify:

• first and last name;
• address;
• phone number;
• e-mail;
• comments.

Section 71 of 2012 the Law on Rates act includes the tax rate. The regulator of the Republic of Cyprus receives 3% of the net profit.

Funds distributed as follows:

• 2% — funded by Cyprus Sports Organization;
• 1% — to work programs to help users with gambling addiction. 

The NBA has developed a strategy for responsible gaming to minimize game addiction among players.

Realizing by Responsible Gaming Action Plan 2018–2022, the regulator establishes the sequence for protecting society and vulnerable groups. 

Responsible Gaming Strategy built on:

• the creation of societies and places of assistance to addiction;
• promoting the basics of responsible gaming;
• prevention and treatment of gambling addiction;
• protecting youth and socially vulnerable groups.

On the website Responsible Gaming, you can learn more about responsible gaming principles, add yourself to the list of self-excluded, set bet limits on time and amount.