Cyprus online betting license (Class B)
An EU betting license from the National Betting Authority. Cyprus licenses online sports betting under Class B; online casino, poker and slots are prohibited. Separately, Cyprus companies are a common holding layer for iGaming groups.
- Best for
- EU-licensed sports betting and holding structures
- Who can be licensed
- B2C operators (sports betting only)
- Markets it serves
- EU regulated markets
Cyprus licenses online sports betting only, through the National Betting Authority's Class B license under the Betting Law of 2019; online casino, poker and slots are prohibited. The licensee must be a Cyprus company, or a foreign company with a registered Cyprus branch, whose main activity is betting, with fit-and-proper checks on directors and significant holders. Plan for 4–6 months. Separately, Cyprus companies are widely used as a holding layer by iGaming groups.
- Status
- Licensing open
- Regulator
- National Betting Authority
- Legal basis
- Betting Law of 2019
- Status checked
- October 16, 2026
Betting only: Class A and Class B
Cyprus licenses bookmakers only. Class B covers online betting; Class A covers betting shops. Online casino is a criminal offense.
Class B (online)
Online betting on sports and other events, through a website on a .com.cy address. Excludes casino games, slots, lotteries, horse racing, betting exchanges and spread betting.
Class A (premises)
Betting in licensed physical premises, with separate licenses for each venue and registered agents.
Short terms
Licenses run for one or two years, chosen at application, and are renewed by application at least three months before expiry.
What you can and cannot offer
| Product | Status in Cyprus |
|---|---|
| Online sports betting | Allowed under a Class B license |
| Betting on other events (non-sports) | Allowed under Class B, within the NBA’s rules |
| Online casino, slots, live casino | Prohibited; offering them is a criminal offense |
| Online poker and lotteries | Not licensable |
| Betting exchanges, spread betting | Not licensable |
| Online horse and dog racing | Not licensable under Class B |
| Land-based casino | Separate regime with a different regulator; not covered by NBA licenses |
What the National Betting Authority expects
Cyprus asks for real financial commitment before it licenses. The company, capital and bank guarantee should be ready before the file is submitted.
Company
A company limited by shares, incorporated in Cyprus or abroad with a registered Cyprus branch, whose main activity is betting.
Share capital
At least €500,000 paid up.
Bank guarantee
A €550,000 guarantee from a Cyprus or EU bank, valid until six months after the license expires. It is in addition to the share capital.
Fit and proper
Clean records for directors, officers, beneficial owners and holders of 10% or more, checked across the jurisdictions where they lived.
Technical
Website reachable only on a .com.cy address, and a backup server in Cyprus running in parallel with the main server and storing the data the NBA specifies.
Player protection
Identity verification, segregated player funds, responsible gambling tools and AML procedures.
How the application runs
There is no statutory deadline; plan for 4–6 months from a complete application with capital and guarantee in place.
- 1StructureCyprus company or registered branch, with betting as its main activity; holding layer if needed.
- 2Capital and guarantee€500,000 paid-up share capital and the €550,000 bank guarantee arranged.
- 3DocumentsCorporate, fit-and-proper, financial, technical and policy documents.
- 4Technical setup.com.cy website and the backup server in Cyprus.
- 5NBA review and licenseDocument review, background checks and board decision; one- or two-year license issued and the site goes live.
Ongoing obligations
- Betting levy (15% of net betting revenue) declared and paid by the deadlines
- License number and age restriction notices on the website
- Player verification, segregated player funds and timely payment of winnings
- Responsible gambling, minor protection and problem-gambler rules
- AML/CFT obligations under Cypriot law
- Renewal application at least three months before the license expires
How Cyprus taxes betting
15% of net betting revenue
Since 30 December 2024, Class B operators pay 15% of stakes received less winnings paid: 10% betting tax and a 5% contribution to the NBA (Law 162(I)/2024).
Paid even without profit
The levy is due on net betting revenue whether or not the company makes a profit. Late payment adds surcharges and can lead to revocation.
Corporate income tax
Cyprus corporate income tax of 15% applies from 1 January 2026, on top of the betting levy.
Holding companies
Separately from the betting license, Cyprus companies are used as EU holding and IP companies in iGaming groups; we plan that layer with your tax advisers.
Rules for player accounts
Verification
Player identity checks completed within 30 days of registration; no betting on credit.
Player funds
Kept in a segregated clients’ account; any shortfall topped up from own funds within days of month-end.
Winnings
Paid within five working days. Balances dormant for 24 months pass to the Authority.
Enforcement
The NBA blocks unlicensed betting and casino sites at internet-provider level and keeps a public list of blocked domains.
Weighing Cyprus against other EU markets? Our European gambling license comparison covers all 27 member states: which products each licenses, the regulators, B2B rules and Finland's 2027 opening.
Compare EU marketsFrequently asked questions
Can I run an online casino with a Cyprus license?
No. Cyprus licenses betting only. Offering online casino games to players in Cyprus is a criminal offense.
Who can apply for a Class B license?
A company limited by shares incorporated in Cyprus, or a foreign company with a registered Cyprus branch, whose main activity is betting. Directors, officers and significant holders go through fit-and-proper checks.
How much capital is required?
At least €500,000 paid-up share capital, plus a separate €550,000 bank guarantee from a Cyprus or EU bank.
How long is the license valid?
One or two years, chosen at application. Renewal must be filed at least three months before expiry.
How long does it take?
There is no statutory deadline. Plan for 4–6 months from a complete file, with the company, capital and guarantee ready before filing.
How is betting taxed?
15% of net betting revenue (stakes less winnings), made up of 10% betting tax and a 5% NBA contribution, plus 15% corporate income tax from 2026.
Do I need a .com.cy domain and servers in Cyprus?
Yes. The Class B website must be reachable only on a .com.cy address, and a backup server in Cyprus must run in parallel with the main server.
Why do iGaming groups use Cyprus companies?
As EU holding or IP companies in a group structure. That is separate from the betting license and suits groups licensed elsewhere.
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