Online Gambling Laws in Cyprus
The most recent act relating to online gambling laws in Cyprus was passed in 2012. Essentially, the only form of online gambling that is allowed in the country is sports betting.
In theory, it is not permissible by law to play at a top-ranked online casino in Cyprus, but there is a loophole that many residents use. Under EU law, it is possible for foreign-based operators to open up gambling facilities to residents in any member state. Cyprus is a member of the EU, so its citizens can play legally in this way.
There are many casinos that have opened their doors to Cyprus players as a result of this.
Are Cyprus Online Casinos Legal ?
It is not currently legal to set up an online casino with a base in Cyprus. Any operators that might be found here are likely to be unregulated and not necessarily safe to use. However, it is possible to find overseas casinos that trade here.
As long as that casino is licensed elsewhere and is happy to accept eligible customers in Cyprus, it is legal to play here under EU law.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Cyprus?
Unlike online casino use in Cyprus, it is perfectly legal to place bets online. Providing that players have met the minimum age requirements and any other eligibility rules that have been laid down, they can bet here by law.
Very few operators have taken advantage of the legislation. Nicosia Betting and In2Bet are two exceptions and are rare examples of sportsbooks based in Cyprus. In the main, citizens here will look to access overseas operators that have opened up online betting opportunities in their country.
What is The Future of Online Gambling in Cyprus?
It is conceivable that online casino play will be made legal in Cyprus in the future. It may seem strange to outsiders that sports betting is allowed here but casino is not, and there are no clear reasons behind the anomaly.
Online casino play remains an important source of revenue for those countries who allow it and this is another reason why it may open up in Cyprus in the future. For now, there is that clear distinction: Online sports betting is legal. Online casino play is not allowed by Cypriot law, but overriding EU legislation means that residents can access some overseas operators.
How We Find The Best Legal Cyprus Online Casinos
We firstly have to establish whether the casino in question is happy to accept players from Cyprus. Being open to Cypriot customers is a good start, but the operator must meet a number of additional criteria if they are to make it onto our recommended list.
The casino must be fully licensed and regulated by their local gambling authority. This is a sign that the operator can be trusted. Safety and security is also ensured by having technology in place that encrypts sensitive information and keeps it away from third parties.
A top online casino also has to provide choice and we want to see a great range of games. Promotions add to the value of online play, so it helps to have a no deposit offer and other deals such as free spins.
At the best online casinos, flexibility extends to having a range of funding options and great customer service. All of these factors help Cyprus casinos make our final list.
- Licensing & Regulation The casino must be licensed and regulated in their region. This confirms their credentials and is a sign of trust when any customer comes to play online
- Safety and Security High levels of technology work to encrypt customer information and this protects all of their sensitive details. Many casino operators have a separate page explaining this.
- Variety of Games Players want to see lots of different games on their casino platform. Whether their preference is for slots, roulette, bingo or blackjack, a wide set of games is a sign of a good casino
- Offers and Promotions Promotions such as a no deposit bonus or a free spins offer help to add value to the account. Players can play for longer and these deals can add positively to the player experience.
- Funding Options The best casinos should have a wide set of funding options. Bank cards should be in place as a bare minimum, but players will want to see eWallets and, possibly, crypto currencies.
Best Real Money Casino in Cyprus
Players in Cyprus have to look overseas to find the best online casinos and one of the most popular choices is PlayOJO. Founded in 2003, it quickly became a favourite among the global casino community and there is trust based on longevity and a reputation for fair play.
PlayOJO state that they have no wagering requirements - ever. If there is an offer on the table such as free spins, any winnings from that promo go straight to the player's account balance. The absence of any rollover terms is a big plus, but there's more to enjoy here.
PlayOJO have a great range of games, fast and friendly customer service, plus a wide set of funding options to help players get started. Those fair terms and conditions help the casino to stand out, and it's all backed up by a great player experience.
Best Free Online Casino
Founded in 2007, Mr Green has one of the best free games platforms around. Demo play is available on all slots and this is good news for more than one reason. Playing for free helps us to fully understand the gameplay of any title before we commit to real money stakes.
It's also possible to simply play for fun, without any strings attached. Demo play can also extend to card and table games which use automatic software. Live casino games do not offer free play options, but this is a rare exception.
When customers are ready to play for real, there is a great choice of games and some generous offers and promotions at Mr Green.
Best Local Casinos in Cyprus
Remember that there are no local online casinos in Cyprus. Anyone looking to play casino games here can access overseas operators and this is possible thanks to EU law.
Despite the lack of local facilities, players in Cyprus like to get on board with a wide choice of games from foreign operators.
- Casino games can be accessed in Cyprus at licensed overseas operators
- Players in Cyprus enjoy a good range of games including slots and roulette
- Free spins allow a player to get used to the gameplay at specific slots
- No deposit and real money promotions are available at many online casinos.
Popular Online Casino Games in Cyprus
Certain casino games will be popular all over the world, but every country has its own favourites. Here are some of the most popular titles in Cyprus
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Online Slots
This is where the biggest choice of free and real money casino games will be found. Many games developers produce thousands of different slot machines and the best slots casinos list hundreds of options.
The sheer diversity of games makes this section stand out. There are basic games while others, such as Book of Dead by Play'n Go, are more complex with a set of bonus rounds.
Others have big progressive jackpots and Divine Fortune by NetEnt is a great example. Slots are fast and fun and this all-round package makes them the most popular game.
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Online Blackjack
Over in the card game section, most players head to the blackjack tables. This is a popular choice and, while there is some strategy involved, blackjack doesn't stretch out for lengthy periods as poker does.
There are blackjack titles that follow the regular rules, while others offer a twist. Free bet blackjack from Evolution Gaming offers free splits and double downs.
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Online Roulette
This is, perhaps, the most iconic casino game of all. The spin of a roulette wheel and the noise of the ball travelling around is evocative of the tables at Las Vegas. When the game heads online, that atmosphere is maintained by the live roulette tables.
Extensive choice extends to automated roulette games. The three main variants, European, American and French are here, and the classic versions of each are in place. As with blackjack, online roulette offers some innovative titles such as Power Up Roulette from Pragmatic Play which offers multipliers on straight number bets.
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Lottery
There is a state run lottery that many Cypriot nationals will have played at times and, because of that, online lottery games at digital casinos are popular.
Some games will be branded and they will therefore be exclusive to that particular operator. There will also be options to buy tickets for the biggest lotteries in the world such as Euromillions and Powerball in the United States.
Lottery is popular because of the potential for life changing prizes. The big wins are rare, but there is always the possibility of landing a smaller cash sum.
Most Popular Casino Games in Cyprus
Here is a round up of some of the most popular casino games in Cyprus.
- Slots: Slots are the most popular area of a casino platform and the choice here includes titles such as Mega Moolah, Book of Dead, Ted and Gonzo's Quest.
- Blackjack: The most popular of all the card games. There is classic blackjack play, plus innovative options including Multihand and Free Bet Blackjack
- Roulette: The most iconic of all the casino games. Classic roulette versions are American, European and French, while creative options include Lightning Roulette and Power Up Roulette.
- Lottery: Cyprus residents can play their own National Lottery, while overseas casinos allow them access to global draws including Euromillions and Powerball.
Find the Top Casinos Available in Your Country No Deposit Bonuses & Minimum Deposit Online Casinos For Cyprus
Online casinos offer a range of minimum deposit levels. In some cases, it may also be possible to claim a no deposit bonus offer just for signing up. Here's what to expect.
No Deposit Bonus Casinos In Cyprus
There will be a registration process to follow, but no funds will be needed to trigger a no deposit bonus. The promotions will vary, but they will usually release a small amount of money, potentially 5 euros, which can be used at the casino.
By using those bonus funds, there is a genuine chance of landing a cash prize. At the very least, a no deposit bonus deal gives players a chance to see how the casino works, before they commit to a real money stake.
Welcome Bonus of Casino for New Signups
A welcome bonus can take a number of forms. Often, there will be free spins to try out at a specified slot game. Other promos provide a match of 50%, or possibly 100% on initial deposits.
There will be terms and conditions to watch out for, but a welcome deal can be a valuable asset when it comes to finding the right online casino.
Low Deposit Casinos
A low deposit casino is a good choice if you want to take the operator on trial. Maybe you just want to see if they have a reasonable selection of games before you take things further.
Here is a rundown of the different deposit levels that you may find.
- $1 Deposit Online Casinos in Cyprus - A very limited selection of online casinos will offer a $1 minimum deposit. These are ideal if you just want to take the games on a test ride. Play through the $1 on a choice of games, before deciding whether you want to hang around.
- $5 Min Deposit Online Casinos - A $5 minimum deposit is the most common entry level among online casinos. It's not a big outlay and it still offers the option to move on if you don't like it here. If you're happy, use that $5 to see what's available.
- $10 Minimum Deposit Casinos - A greater commitment is needed at a $10 minimum deposit casino. High rollers are welcome, while the everyday player has more time to decide if they want to commit for the longer term.
How To Deposit at Cyprus Online Casinos
The exact mechanics behind an online deposit will vary depending on which operator is being used. They will, however, all follow similar rules. After completing the registration process, it's often the case that the player is taken directly to the cashier. If not, click on a button at the top of the homepage which is marked 'deposit' or 'cashier'.
The next job is to choose a payment method from the different options that the casino has listed. Once that's done, account details will be needed, along with the amount that the player wishes to deposit. The final step is to check that all of the information is correct before confirming.
Most transactions are free and deposits should almost always show up instantly.
- Head to the cashier page.
- Click on the payment method that you prefer
- Enter account details
- Input the amount that you wish to deposit.
- Check that everything is correct.
- Click on the confirmation button.
How To Withdraw & Keep Casino Winnings
Remember that you cannot withdraw to a new funding method. If the card or eWallet has previously been used for a deposit that's fine. If not, customers will need to add a new deposit first.
Once that's been addressed, the withdrawal system is simple to follow. Head back to the cashier area and click on the tab marked 'withdraw.' Find your preferred method before entering the amount that you wish to take out of the account.
If you are happy that the sums have been entered correctly, click on the button to confirm.
- Head to the cashier
- Click on the separate button marked withdraw
- Find a payment method that you have used in the past.
- Input the amount that you wish to withdraw.
- Check that the details are correct.
- Click to confirm.
Best Cyprus Online Casino Payment Methods
Online casinos all over the world should offer a range of fast deposit and withdrawal methods. This provides flexibility for players and this should also help to expand an operator's customer base.
Some payment methods will be more popular in Cyprus than others, and here is a rundown of what's available.
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PayPal
Outside of Cyprus, PayPal is the first choice for players who don't want to use their own bank. It's a trusted financial institution and it offers its users an extra level of security.
When making a deposit or a withdrawal via PayPal, no details are shared with the merchant. PayPal is also quick and usually free, although some casinos may make a small charge. As with all eWallet payments, check to see if PayPal doesn't disqualify you from taking up a listed promotion.
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Debit Cards
For the fastest way to pay and receive, debit cards are the way to go. In all cases, real money deposits made in this way will reach the player's account instantly. Withdrawals will also be fast and will often be returned on the same day.
Debit cards are also the most economical way to fund an account and they will ensure that the player doesn't miss out on offers and promotions. Most bonus deals will specify that eWallets are excluded. In summary, for fast, cost effective and a valuable way to deposit and withdraw, a debit card is the wisest choice.
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Paysafecard
Paysafecard is a prepaid card which works in the same way as a debit card. It can be used to pay for goods or services by tapping in person, or by entering card details when shopping online.
Cards can be topped up in a number of ways and this option is widely accepted in many online casinos. Transactions are fast with Paysafecard and they will often be free, although a selection of operators may make a small charge.
Other Payment Alternatives
Depending on the operator concerned, there may be other payment options in place. These could include bank transfers where the money is wired across between accounts without the use of a debit card.
Skrill and Neteller are other eWallet options which work in the same way as Paypal.
Some casino players have now embraced the world of cryptocurrency. The inclusion of Bitcoin is becoming more widespread at online casinos while others such as Litecoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin may also be available.
- Bank Transfers: Easy and secure. Likely to be free, but they may be slower than other methods
- Skrill: Another eWallet that is widely accepted by the gambling industry. Transactions are fast and there is an extra level of security as financial details are not shared with the merchant.
- Cryptocurrency. Purely for those who have mastered how digital currency works. It's less widely accepted, but many casinos are now starting to allow the more common crypto options such as Bitcoin.
Online Casino Bonus Terms For Cyprus Players
All casino offers, whether it's a free spins deal, a no deposit bonus or something else, come with terms and conditions attached. These need to be thoroughly checked and the player should make sure that they are happy before going ahead.
Terms will vary, but there are common points to look out for. Firstly, check on the expiry date. There is usually a time limit on bonuses and these could be as short as four days.
There may also be a wagering requirement, sometimes known as a rollover. A smaller proportion of online casinos will automatically add bonus winnings to an account balance, but most will employ a wagering requirement.
If, for example, the bonus is $10 and the wagering requirement is 10x, the player has to stake 10x $10 = $100 before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Other Ts and Cs to look out for include a maximum bet and a maximum cashout. Here is a summary of typical real money bonus rules.
- Wagering Requirements : Also known as a rollover, this refers to the amount of times that a bonus needs to be played through. For example, a $10 bonus with 10x wagering, means that the player has to stake $100 before any winnings can be taken out.
- Game Contribution Percentage : Certain games may need to be played under the rules of a bonus. As an example, a promotion may stipulate that 50% needs to be staked on roulette and 50% on blackjack
- Validity & Expiry Period : Watch out for those expiration dates. All real money bonus offers will have a validity period and these can range between 4 days and 30 days.
- Max Bet : Offers will frequently have a max bet rule. With free spins, these may be preset at $0.10 or possibly $0.20 per spin. For roulette and blackjack, the maximum bet limit may also be restricted.
- Max Cashout : There may be a maximum prize level on the table. Maximum cashout levels, when they apply, will vary, but $50 can be a typical sum.
- Allowed Games : Free spins deals will usually be attached to specific slots such as Gonzo's Quest or Book of Dead. Other offers may direct players to certain titles at the roulette or blackjack tables.
Why Trust Our Online Casino Reviews for Cyprus?
Experience is the best way to deliver accurate and trusted previews. Our Top10Casinos review experts have worked in the online casino industry for many years and we know what information players need. It's about finding the best operators in terms of choice, value, trust and security.
That experience also allows us to be honest and transparent in our recommendations. It's no good recommending a casino that doesn't tick the boxes as our reputation is on the line here. By building that trust with the readers, they know that we are open and completely honest about the details that we put in front of them.
- Honesty: Dishonest reviews will always be found out, so you can be sure that the information is correct.
- Experience: Many thousands of reviews are assessed, so you can trust our judgement.
- Knowledge: As players ourselves, we know exactly what our readers will be looking for.
Cyprus Online Casino FAQs
You should now have all the information you need for an entertaining experience at the top online casinos, but here is a recap of some frequently asked questions.
- How do online casinos in Cyprus work? All trusted online casinos in Cyprus use a Random Number Generator. Abbreviated to RNG, this system ensures fair play at all times. RNGs are independently verified and they mean that every spin of a slot, roulette wheel, or turn of a card, is random and not predetermined. This is how results of every casino game are established.
- What is the legal gambling age in Cyprus? The official legal gambling age in Cyprus is 18. However, in some land based casinos, it may be the case that anyone under 21 will not be admitted. For online operators based in Cyprus and overseas, that 18-year age limit applies.
- Are the best online casinos in Cyprus safe? All of our recommended casinos in Cyprus work hard to ensure their players' safety. While the exact details can get very technical, it's all about using high levels of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. The higher the SSL, the greater the encryption, and players' details will be secure. Most Cyprus casinos outline their security levels in a separate section.
- How do you start playing at an online casino? All casinos require some form of registration before players can get involved. The process will vary between operators, but they will all ask for essential information such as date of birth and contact details. Verification documents may also be required in order to prove identity.
- Do you have to pay taxes on the money you win on the internet? While this varies between countries, there is a gambling tax in Cyprus of 10% on winnings. Players who make a profit are required to declare their returns and pay 10% of the winnings to the Cyprus government at the end of each accounting period.
- Can I play the games for free without using money? There may be a limited number of casino games available at Cyprus based operators. These are demo versions and, while the gameplay is identical to the real money equivalent, there is no bankroll at stake. There is likely to be a greater choice of free games at overseas casinos that accept customers from Cyprus.
- Can I keep my winnings with a no deposit bonus? It is possible to keep winnings from a no deposit bonus. Providing that players adhere to the terms and conditions that are attached to the promotion, any returns can be withdrawn.
- Is it legal to bet on sports on the internet? In Cyprus, it is perfectly legal to bet on sports on the internet. Subject to minimum age requirements and any other eligibility rules that are laid down by the operator, sports betting is allowed by Cypriot law.
- What is the best casino game to play for real money in Cyprus This is entirely down to the individual player. Some prefer slots because of the instant results, others will head to a game such as blackjack which requires higher levels of strategy. It's recommended to trial out a few games with smaller stakes to find a preference.
- What is the best payment methods for the fastest withdrawals? Debit cards usually provide faster access to players' funds. In some cases, money withdrawn from a casino will hit the bank account on the same day. In the slowest scenarios, a debit card withdrawal could take up to 48 hours.
Written by
Bonnie Gjurovska - Lead Editor Bonnie Gjurovska has been professionally involved in iGaming for over 5 years. She is passionate about online casinos, testing software and finding the best promotions. Her passion makes Bonnie the perfect candidate to help guide players from around the world and to oversee the content published on Top10Casinos.com.
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