In Cyprus, you can enjoy safe and fair gambling. However, it may be difficult to choose a sportsbook that would suit your needs best.
To assist, our experts did the hard work of evaluating several bookmakers in Cyprus based on multiple quality factors, such as a variety of betting options, safety and security, available bonuses and promotions, website functionality, and customer service, among others. Read on to discover the top betting sites you can use based on our in-depth analysis.
Full List of Cyprus Betting Sites
Cyprus fully regulated online betting in 2012, but even though the country issues gambling licenses, it's not against offshore bookmakers offering their services to bettors. It created a situation where they welcomed any sportsbooks to enter its market, leading to a large influx of offshore sportsbooks.
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4.2
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Rakeboost bonus
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4.1
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3+1 in Free Bets
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100% up to $500
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50% up to $1000
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100% up to $500
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100% up to $1000
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125% up to $1250
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100% up to u₿50000
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Easy to use
Nowadays, dozens of sportsbooks operate in Cyprus, both international bookmakers and locally licensed betting sites, giving punters more than enough options when deciding which bookmaker to register and use.
And even though some sportsbooks are more popular than others, the regulations put in place force bettors to have accounts with both locally licensed bookmakers and international betting sites. But ultimately, this is only advantageous for punters who, as a result, have more options and betting markets to explore and use.
1. 1win
1win was founded in 2016. The sportsbook has over 20 sports markets, giving Cypriot punters a wide range of games to bet on. You will find matches from popular sports like football, baseball, basketball, and tennis to niche ones like fussball, snooker, and lacrosse. 1win also has a wide betting range to match its available sports markets. Besides straightforward wagering options like moneyline, totals, point spread, live betting, etc., it also offers advanced choices like accumulator bets, futures, parlays, teasers, and so on. If you prefer in-play betting, the live streaming feature offered by the bookmaker can provide an elevated experience for you.
The site is very user-friendly and works smoothly across all platforms, but that is not all. There is also a mobile app for iOS and Android phones tailored to on-the-go punters. This makes it easier to access your account, bet, live stream, and even withdraw.
1win has a minimum deposit of €5, which is a very low entry point for both low-rollers and high-stakes ones. Funding your account is also super easy as the bookie accepts credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and E-wallets like Skrill and MuchBetter. There is also the option to use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and a dozen others.
New bettors can claim a generous 500% welcome bonus, offering up to $1,025. This promotion is spread across your first four deposits: 200% on the first, 150% on the second, 100% on the third, and 50% on the fourth. Right after this, you also have access to several other promotions like acca bonus, cashback, and a loyalty program.
2. MagicWin
MagicWin is a sportsbook that is licensed by the Curacao government. The platform is home to over 30 sports markets that feature leagues from 20+ countries. This means besides international leagues like the Premier League, ATP, WWE, and NBA, patriotic punters can also bet on Cypriot First Division and Cyprus Leagues, among other local tournaments.
It doesn’t matter if you want to bet on popular or niche sports. MagicWin’s odds are some of the highest in the country. So, you earn more on all your winning bets. Speaking of bets, each game has over 40 betting options, making it easy to wager on what you are most comfortable with. The bookie’s build-a-bet feature also allows you to combine different selections from the same event into one betslip for a higher return.
One other thing that makes MagicWin stand out is its free and fast transaction processing. Deposits are instant, while withdrawals can take between 24-48 hours, regardless of your payment options. You can fund your account with a minimum of €15. While some payment options like the debit card don’t have a minimum, you need to have made at least €100 to withdraw with them. Other available banking options for deposits and withdrawals include bank transfer, Bitcoin, ETH, LTC, Tether, SEPA, etc.
3. Velobet
Velobet is home to over 30 traditional sports markets. If you love to bet on virtual sports or Esports, you will also find games like Valorant, StarCraft BroodWar, Arena of Valor, Overwatch, and so much more. Besides its comprehensive betting market, Velobet also has a live streaming option that allows you to watch ongoing matches on which you are betting. In cases where your bet is likely to end in a loss, Velobet’s cash out option can be used to minimize your losses.
Another aspect of Velobet that made it one of the best sportsbooks in Nicosia is how user-oriented it is. The website has a simple layout, making it easy for punters of all levels to navigate. Although there is no native mobile app, the platform is mobile-optimized. This gives on-the-go bettors the choice of adding their account to their home screen for easier and faster access. If you have issues while betting, you can reach out to the support team via email or even through live chat for a quicker response.
In addition to accepting the standard payment methods like credit/debit cards and E-wallets, Velobet allows deposits and withdrawals via about 2 dozen cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit and withdrawal is €20.
For new users, Velobet welcome bonus awards you 150% up to €1,000 when you deposit at least €20. If you are an existing bettor, there are also several promotional deals you can partake in. After every 3 bets, you get a free bet of up to €100 for your fourth bet. You also get 10% cashback on all your crypto deposits.
4. 20Bets
Cypriots looking to bet on UEFA, LA Liga, NBA, MMA, ATP, and over a hundred more leagues will find 20Bets to be their perfect match. The sportsbook has been in operation since 2020 and is licensed by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.
Although 20Bets is popular for its variety of betting options, where it truly shines is its live betting options. You will find several in-play wagering types like match outcome, double chance, handicap, etc, giving you the utmost flexibility on what you can bet on. Not only this, there is also the option to livestream selected games. This makes in-play betting more immersive, as you also get to adjust your bet in real time without leaving the website.
As far as transactions go, 20Bets has multiple banking methods. If you prefer traditional methods, you could make deposits and withdrawals with your Visa and MasterCard. For those who prioritize privacy, you will also find several crypto options, including BTC, Tether, ETH, LTC, Dash, XRP, etc. There is a minimum of €20 for deposits and withdrawals, making it easy for bettors of all levels, especially low rollers.
You can claim 100% up to €500 as a new user on your first deposit. If you make a deposit with cryptocurrency, you can get 200% up to €1,000 instead. After this, there are also other promotions like the reload bonus which gets you 35% up to €350 on your deposit.
5. Rolletto
With close to 40 sports markets, including Esports and virtual sports, Rolletto is one of the bookmakers with the highest coverage in Cyprus. But this is far from being the only reason it made our list. Rolletto is a multi-currency platform that makes it possible to deposit and withdraw your winnings via fiat currency or crypto. This makes it flexible and more appealing to bettors who aren’t comfortable sharing personal information with betting sites.
The bookie has a 150% up to €1,500 welcome bonus for new punters. This bonus can be used on available offerings of the betting site, giving you free rein on what to do with it. Right after this, you also have access to several promotional deals like the 10% up to €500 in cashback bonus, up to 100% acca win boost, up to €100 in free bet weekly, and so much more.
For the times you need help, you can reach the support via live chat or mail. While Rolletto has yet to develop a mobile app, the website is mobile-compatible.
6. Chipstars
Chipstars was founded in 2021 by Games & More B.V. While still relatively new, it has won Cypriots punters over with its many features and exciting promotions. There are 30+ sports markets on the platform covering games from over 2 dozen countries. While there are also a wide variety of wagering options at Chipstars, there is no live-streaming option. To make up for this, the bookie is in partnership with Live Score. Hence, you get real-time updates on ongoing games to help ensure you make informed bets. Similarly, the in-play section also has a bet builder option, which allows you to add multiple selections from a match or game to a slip. If you feel a game is likely going to end in a loss, you can use the cash out feature to salvage your losses.
Besides the several incredible features Chipstars sportsbook offers punters, its welcome bonus is among the best on our list. New users are eligible for a four-part bonus. Your first deposit is matched up to 200% up to €1,800, the second 210% up to €4,410, and the third is 220% up to €9,460. On your fourth deposit, you will get a 270% deposit bonus up to €20,790. This aggregated to a whopping 900% up to €36,460. Chipstars bonuses aren’t tied to your main deposits, so you can withdraw your actual money without forfeiting it.
There is a minimum deposit and withdrawal of €20. You can perform any of these actions with credit/debit cards, E-wallets, SEPA, and even cryptocurrency.
7. FreshBet
FreshBet was founded in 2020 by Ryker B.V. The bookmaker is home to over 30 sports markets and has thousands of pre-match and live bets daily. The odds for games are very competitive, and you can expect an average margin of 5.5%, regardless of the league’s popularity.
If you love acca bets, then FreshBet is more suited for you. The betslip can accept over 30 selections. This gives you much-needed freedom to add as many games as you would like. If your preference is live betting, this bookie has you covered. Betting options like double chance, handicap, draw, and no bet are just a few you will find there. If you are a fan of both, FreshBet bet builder feature allows you to combine different in-play bets from the same game in a bet slip. To make things more exciting, you can livestream ongoing matches. While this is only available on selected games, there is a detailed analysis of all games with match animation showing how the game processes.
FreshBet is very accommodating to all punters, regardless of their betting style. The minimum deposit and withdrawal is set at €20. Depending on your preference, you can withdraw or fund your account with MasterCard, Visa, Skrill, PayOp, and about 6 cryptocurrencies.
As a welcome bonus, new users can 100% up to €500 on their first deposit. Right after this, there are also several other options, such as up to 75% cashback when you lose one selection of an accumulator bet. There is also a VIP program for loyal punters. Although FreshBet doesn’t have a mobile app, the website is mobile-friendly and can be used on any device.
8. GoldenLion
GoldenLion is a relatively new sportsbook launched in 2023. The site is licensed by the Curacao Gaming Authority and has over 2 dozen sports coverage in 40+ countries. So whether you prefer to bet on La Liga, Premier League, NHL, or more homegrown tournaments like the Cyprus Super Cup, you will find these and more at this bookie.
Besides its detailed sports markets, GoldenLion is also one of the best crypto sports betting sites in Cyprus. You can deposit and withdraw with Bitcoin, ETH, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Tether, etc. There are also options for fiat transactions as you have options like debit/credit card, NeoSurf, and SEPA. For e-wallet deposits and withdrawals, you can use Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, and Przelewy24 via Centrobill. You can fund your account with €15 and withdraw at least €100. However, this depends on the payment method you use.
Although there is no GoldenLion mobile app and live streaming option, the sportsbook can be accessed from any mobile. Likewise, each game has detailed statistics and analysis. For signing up, you get 100% up to €100 on your first deposit.
9. BetBeast
BetBeast is one of the sports betting sites owned by Dama N.V. The bookie offers Cypriot bettors betting opportunities to over 20 sports markets, including basketball, football, baseball, wrestling, ice hockey, and so much more.
The site has a minimum deposit of $20, while the withdrawal limit is set at $30. You can withdraw as high as $2,500 weekly. To deposit or request a payout, you can select from MasterCard, Visa, Jeton, E-wallets, SEPA, and even cryptocurrency.
On your first deposit at the sportsbook, you get 100% up to $1,000 as a welcome bonus. In addition to this, you can claim several reload, cashback, and free bet bonuses.
Whether you prefer sending an email or chatting, BetBeast customer support offers both. All support channels are available 24/7.
10. SnatchCasino
Owned by Altacore N.V., SnatchCasino is a platform founded in 2021. The sportsbook is renowned for the high odds it offers on its 25+ sports markets. If you are a fan of Esports, you will find a number of bets on FIFA ‘24. CS: GO, eFighting, LoL, Dota 2, CODM, and a dozen more.
In addition to featuring over four thousand pre-match games daily, there are also thousands of live games to bet on. The in-play section also features a live-streaming option. This way, you can watch and bet on the same spot without switching apps.
For times when you need help, SnatchCasino customer support can be reached in different ways. You have the standard email and then a phone number you can contact. Alternatively, there is also an on-site live chat. Regardless of which you choose, they are all available 24/7.
There is a minimum deposit of €20 for fiat-based payment methods, while crypto is set at €50. For withdrawals, you need at least €20. If you are a high-stakes bettor, you can withdraw a maximum of €1,5000 in 24 hours, and the monthly limit is capped at €25,000.
As a new user, if you deposit a minimum of €20 and place a qualifying bet with it, you get up to €100 as a free bet if you lose the game.
How to Sign Up, Verify & Place Your First Bet with Bookmakers
After picking the sportsbook you want to use, it's time to set up an account, which is an easy process that shouldn't take longer than a few minutes to complete and only requires a few steps from the start to placing your first bet.
- Visit the sportsbook you want to register with and navigate to the “Sign Up” or “Register” button.
- Begin the registration process and provide the asked details such as user name, password, email address, date of birth, residence, and other information that the sportsbook asks from you.
- Complete the registration and verify the account through a link sent to your email.
- Navigate to the baking tab, select the preferred payment method, and make your first deposit.
- Before completing the deposit, check if the sportsbook has any deposit bonuses for new users, and don't forget to claim it!
- Wait for the money to appear in your betting account – it shouldn't take longer than a minute if you're using E-wallets.
- Navigate the offered betting markets, check the odds, and select the match you want to bet on.
- Decide on the bet amount, place the bet, and wait for the game to finish.
It's important to note that it's not possible to withdraw winnings without a completed Know Your Customer verification. Since the KYC verification can take up to a whole week to complete, it's advisable to do it as soon as possible – preferably as soon as you set up your betting account.
This way, you can speed up the withdrawal process instead of the unavoidable delays that come with the KYC verification later down the line.
How We Test & Review Betting Sites in Cyprus
It is home to dozens of sportsbooks, making it more difficult to differentiate between good and bad betting platforms. However, through our research and reviews, we've found a few key factors which make it easier to spot the best betting sites in Cyprus, and we use these criteria to create a list of bookies we recommend to our readers.
| Criteria | Explanation |
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| Sports and Leagues | Good market coverage is one of the most important factors that make a great bookmaker, meaning that it accepts odds on many sports and leagues. It must include major sports competitions, minor leagues, and niche sports. |
| Payouts, Odds, and Lines Offered at the Best Bookies | Odds quality is one of the most important things a good betting site has to have, and while there is no such thing as one bookmaker with the best odds, the offered prices must at least be competitive compared to its competition. Likewise, it's beneficial if the payout limits are in a good spot, which is especially important for those who want to bet online in Cyprus with larger amounts. |
| Bookies Betting Offers: Bonuses and Promotions | Betting bonus offers, and promotions aren't as important as good odds, but they are an important factor that makes a great bookmaker. Most of the best sports betting sites have good bonus offers, but there are also bookmakers with great bonuses and subpar odds, so it's important to consider both factors. |
| Type of Bets | A generous offer of bet types is another important thing a solid bookmaker has to have. It goes hand-in-hand with good market coverage and is just as important since we want to be able to bet on games however we want. |
| Safety and Security | A good bookmaker has to be safe, and there are no exceptions to that rule. Any bettor should prioritize using Cyprus bookmakers, which are legit and secure, as this is the only way to ensure that our money and personal information are safe. |
| Bet on Mobile with the Best Sports Betting App | Mobile app availability is a huge plus and a bookmaker's must-have feature, especially for mobile bettors. Even those who don't primarily bet from their phones will appreciate the convenience of a mobile app – the availability of which is also a good sign of professionalism from the sportsbook. |
| Live Betting & Live Streaming | Live betting markets and live streaming options greatly rank any sportsbook as a good choice. The best sportsbooks for online betting in Cyprus will have both –live odds updating quickly and in-play betting markets with enough betting options. |
| Payment Methods at Betting Sites | The availability of payment and withdrawal options is another critical factor in determining the best betting sites in Cyprus. Nowadays, the lack of payment options is not as big of an issue as it once was, but it's important that the payments are quick and that they come with low or no fees. |
| Website Functionality | The best sports betting sites will have a stable website, essential for an enjoyable betting experience. It means that the platform works without hiccups, the bets are placed instantly, and the betting odds and markets are always available. |
| Extra Features | The best bookies in Cyprus will also offer bonus features, which aren't as critical as other factors, but just as important for a solid betting experience. Those include a quick bet feature, the option to change the betting odds formats, or pop-out live streaming. |
| Customer Service | Often overlooked but very important is the quality of customer service. We must prioritize betting sites that offer email and live chat support and preferably include a phone number. Moreover, the customer support agents must be knowledgeable and able to help with any issues we encounter. Even though most bettors won't ever need to contact customer support agents, it's nice to know that if we encounter a problem, it will be resolved quickly and efficiently. |
| Sportsbook Reputation | Sportsbooks' reputation is critical and shouldn't be ignored. Some bookmakers can be safe and legal, but they have a bad reputation among bettors, which is a good sign that they should be avoided. Reputation alone is not good enough to determine the best betting sites, but it is very important in deciding which sportsbooks to choose. |
Popular Bonuses & Promotions
All betting sites in Cyprus will have bonuses and promotions, but not all offer the same. There are sportsbooks with better welcome bonus offers and fewer promotions, and vice versa; however, when we look for the best betting site with the best bonuses all-around, international sportsbooks usually win.
The sole exception is promotions on local sporting events, which are more often available on local bookies. Just like how bonuses differentiate, they also come with different terms and conditions, but most common sportsbooks tend to have very lenient rules and are fairly simple to claim. And all bonuses are very beneficial, especially for those looking to do matched betting.
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Rakeboost bonus
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Rakeback is a withdrawable bonus that is accrued for each bet and depends on your current Rank. Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. | |
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4.1
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3+1 in Free Bets
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Place 3 consecutive bets and get the 4th bet as a free bet! Full T&Cs apply | |
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4.4
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100% up to $500
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New customers only! Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. | |
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4.2
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4.2
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50% up to $1000
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Earn a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever deposit at Jazz Sports. Use Promo Code JAZZ50 and your extra 50% will be added to your sports betting balance. Full T&Cs apply | |
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Deposit Bonuses
Deposit bonuses are a group of sportsbooks' offers directly tied to the deposit. The main two include deposit match and reload bonus, which are essentially the same thing, but while welcome bonuses are available only to new users, reload bonuses are typically offered to existing customers.
Both work on the same idea. If a bookmaker offers a 100% matched deposit bonus, any deposit you make (up to a certain limit) will be doubled. So a €500 deposit will earn you an extra €500 in free wagering cash. The free money will come with a rollover requirement (x15 or more), meaning it can't be instantly withdrawn.
Since deposit bonuses are one of the most common offers, they're also found on all betting sites in Cyprus, including local bookies and international sportsbooks.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are all offered exclusively to new customers of a sportsbook. The most common is the welcome deposit bonus, including free bets or spins in the sportsbook's online casino.
Welcome bonuses are a one-time thing, so new bettors need to pay attention to the rules which state how to claim them. The two main things to look for are the required minimum deposit and the payment method.
Free Bets
Free bets are a very straightforward bonus, which, as the name suggests, is sportsbooks giving bettors free money to bet with. These can be a part of the welcome offer or given to existing users randomly throughout the year.
Free bets are often the same size as your average bet with the betting site – if you regularly bet with €10, then the free bet bonus will likely be the same size. These offers rarely have any restrictions and can be used to bet (for free) on any sport or league.
Cashback
Cashback offers are some of the most useful bonuses found in bookies in Cyprus. They are often offered for only accumulator bets, where the sportsbook refunds the full stake or a portion of it if your accumulator misses by one leg.
VIP Offers
VIP offers are available on some of the best legal betting sites and work on a loyalty system. The more you bet with the sportsbook, the higher the VIP level you are and with that come greater rewards.
The VIP Offers can include anything from reload bonuses, higher limits, cashback offers, enhanced odds, free bets, or anything in between. But the best rewards are saved for the highest level, making VIP offers the best betting bonus offers for active bettors.
Bet of the Day for Cyprus
Bettors aren't limited to what they can bet on and, in some ways, have more betting options than larger European countries. That is because betting sites in Cyprus cover major sporting events and lesser local events and tournaments, which are rare in big international sportsbooks.
WHAT IS THE BEST BET FOR TODAY?
But even though it's not entirely fair to say that bettors are in a much better spot than most other punters around the world, they have more than enough betting markets available, including on the most popular sports and leagues in the country, and all major sporting events worldwide.
Bet on Sports
The country is known for its booming sports betting scene, so those who want to bet on sports can rest assured that they'll have plenty of ways to do so.
No matter if you prefer to bet on the most popular sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, or American football or are more into wagering on more niche sports, including futsal, boxing, or water polo, all of the best legal betting sites in Cyprus have solid market coverage ensuring that there's something for everyone.
Football Betting
Football is the world's most popular sport, which makes up most of the betting handle on bookmakers worldwide – and it is no exception. Not only is football a very popular sport among the population, but so is football betting, largely due to the abundance of events and betting opportunities it offers.
Tennis Betting
Tennis isn't as popular as football, but it's not that far behind. As a sport played all over the world, tennis also boasts a large fanbase and is one of the most bet-on sports in the world. Most of its popularity has to do with the easily accessible betting markets and an unlimited supply of online websites which offer stats and information tennis bettors will find useful.
So even though it is not known for being the home of world-class tennis players, bettors are still very much into betting on tennis, which they can do on essentially all bookies in Cyprus as all offer tennis betting markets.
Futsal Betting
Futsal betting is highly popular mainly because the sport is popular in the country. They even have its futsal league (Cypriot Futsal First Division), and while futsal league betting is very popular, locals also bet on various international futsal competitions.
Even though futsal betting markets are not as accessible as football or tennis betting markets, the local bookies in Cyprus do an excellent job with their futsal market coverage, which is one of the big reasons why futsal betting is so popular in the country.
Basketball betting
When discussing the most popular sports among bettors, it's impossible not to mention basketball, especially when discussing the most popular sports. Basketball is one of the world's most played sports and a major name in the betting industry.
Bettors can explore a limitless supply of basketball betting markets
, which goes well beyond the OPAP Basket League, and the success of the local basketball clubs – which regularly appear in international club basketball competitions – certainly helps with the popularity of basketball betting.
Rally Racing Betting
Rally is more of a niche sport in betting, but it's very popular among local bettors. That is largely thanks to the Rally run by the Cyprus Automobile Association, one of the biggest WRC rally races of the year in the early 2000s and is still hosted as a part of the MERC season.
Due to rally betting popularity, all bookies in Cyprus will have rally betting markets for World Rally Championship, the Middle East Rally Championship, and other rally leagues and competitions.
Athletics Betting
Athletics is a big sport which is home to many excellent athletes and punters who bet exclusively on athletics. Even though betting on athletics is not as popular as football betting, it has a special place on the Cyprus betting apps and bookmakers, which regularly cover the biggest athletics events and often offer special promotions and betting bonuses.
Rugby Union Betting
Rugby Union wasn't a very popular sport, but over the last decade, it started gaining traction. As of 2024, there are four different Rugby Union teams in the country, including Nicosia Titans, Paphos Tigers, Larnaca Spartans, and Limassol Crusaders, and as the sport is gaining popularity, so is union rugby betting.
Esports Betting
Esports betting has been gaining traction over the last decade and is nowadays nearly as big as sports betting. Due to the sheer popularity of Esports, all sportsbooks, including traditional bookmakers, were forced to start offering Esports betting markets, and nowadays, most do – especially on the biggest Esports titles such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, and Dota 2.
Bet on Competitions
It is home to many big sports competitions, the main 2 being the First Division and the Basketball Division A.
Particularly the Basketball Division A is world-renowned for featuring some of Europe's top basketball teams, and due to its reputation, it's also extremely well covered by bookies in Cyprus and international sportsbooks.
Bet on Tournaments
It is a fairly small country, but it's very active in the sports world and hosts many sports tournaments, including major and lesser local events.
So those who want to bet online in Cyprus on local events will have plenty of choices, granted it's important to note that lesser domestic events will only be available to local bookmakers and less so to major international sportsbooks.
Bet on Local Teams
Those looking to bet on national teams will have plenty of options, even on international bookmakers such as William Hill. Especially those who prefer football betting will have ways to bet on local teams by following and wagering on the Cypriot First Division – the country's top-tier football league.
Moreover, it's easy to find basketball teams competing in international events, such as the EKA AEL, so even though it is a small country, it has teams competing in various bigger events, making it effortless to find betting markets on local clubs.
Besides betting on the national clubs, there are also ways to bet on Cyprus national sports teams, including the football team, national basketball team, cricket team, or rugby union team.
Bet on National Players
The country has many excellent athletes, most competing in team sports such as rugby union, basketball, and football. But many athletes compete in various individual events such as sailing (Pavlos Kontides), athletics (Milan Trajkovic), swimming (Nikolas Antoniou), and more.
As such, it's not difficult to find betting markets on players, and we don't even need access to local sportsbooks – granted, it's easier to find special promotions and markets on local talent with betting sites in Cyprus.
How to Choose the Best Bookmakers in Cyprus
Since establishing the National Betting Authority (NBA), the country has had a betting license and a more regulated market. But even with the NBA, the government has failed to prevent international bookmakers from entering the market – nor does it seem like it cares.
As a result, the local bettors have more than enough options when selecting a website to place a bet. However, while the options are vast, knowing how to recognize the best sports betting sites is important. It can be tedious, but knowing what to look for can be much quicker.
Here are the key things to consider when choosing the best Cyprus betting sites:
- Safety – The first thing to check with any bookmaker or Cyprus betting app is whether it's safe. It is important as it's the only way to ensure that your money and personal information will be safe, and it's quite easy to do – a safe bookmaker will have a valid betting license, either theirs or MGA/UKLGC.
- Reputation – The reputation of a sportsbook is just as important as a valid betting license. It's important to know that while some sportsbooks can be legal and licensed, they might have a bad reputation for many reasons, including a shady past. So while a license is important, a good reputation is often a better indicator of a sportsbook's safety.
- Good Odds & Markets – All of the best sports betting sites in Cyprus will have competitive odds and enough betting markets. Those are essential features of all top sportsbooks since, as punters, we want to bet with fair prices and have access to as many betting markets as possible to bet on whatever sport or league we want.
- Stable Platform – A stable website is critical for an enjoyable betting experience and efficient live betting. Moreover, it's very unlikely that good bookies won't have a stable platform, so it indirectly indicates which sportsbooks can offer a quality betting experience.
- Mobile Betting App – Every modern bookmaker is expected to have a mobile betting app available, and while it might be less beneficial to those who don't bet from their phones, mobile apps are a must for all of the best sports betting sites.
- Betting Bonus Offers – Not as important as quality betting odds, but good bonus offers are equally beneficial, typically found on the best betting sites.
- Customer Support – Often overlooked feature but no less important criterion when ranking the best bookmakers is good customer support. A solid sportsbook must have at least two ways to contact customer support and a live chat and have reliable customer support agents. This way, we can ensure that if we encounter any issues while using the bookmaker that the problems will be resolved quickly and efficiently.
- Live Betting – Every sportsbook nowadays has live betting available, so those looking for Cyprus live betting will have plenty of options. But it's important to check how good the live betting markets are, whether they have enough coverage, and whether the sportsbook has live streaming. Those 2 are mandatory for a solid in-play betting experience and an indication of a good betting site.
Popular Deposit Methods
Depositing at betting sites in Cyprus is very straightforward. Due to the number of sportsbooks operating in the country, more than enough payment options are available; however, despite the many options, bettors prefer more traditional payment methods such as credit cards and bank transfers over E-wallets.
Still, of late, Skrill, Neteller, and Paysafe bookies are gaining in popularity, as are crypto payments, which are widely considered the best payment method to bet online in Cyprus. That is due to the fast transactions, and anonymity crypto can offer – it might take a few more years before crypto payments become the prevalent option.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are slowly going out of fashion among bettors worldwide, but they're one of the most popular payment methods. That is because most punters prefer traditional payment methods due to convenience. Still, soon enough, the preference will likely shift towards E-wallets and crypto payments.
That is mainly because bank transfers are the slowest payment method available. On a more positive note, bank transfers typically come with higher limits.
Credit Cards
Besides bank transfers, credit card payments remain the most popular payment method among bettors and are slowly overtaking as the primary way to deposit money on betting sites. The convenience of using credit cards and relatively fast transfers play a big role in this payment method's popularity, which is why it's still used among punters.
E-Wallets
E-wallets are the most popular payment option among bettors worldwide, especially Skrill and Neteller. And while both operate here, they're not quite as popular as bank transfers and credit card payments.
But the trends suggest that punters will slowly move from bank transfers and credit card payments towards E-wallets since they're a better choice, with faster transfers and a higher level of anonymity.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are a very popular payment method among punters who want to control their spending and are widely accepted by most betting sites in Cyprus. Although a more niche and less popular payment option, PaySafeCard is still very popular.
Popular Withdrawal Methods
Cyprus betting sites offer plenty of withdrawal options for their customers, and there are no restrictions on which withdrawal methods are available to bettors. Admittedly, there are fewer withdrawal options than deposit options, but this isn't necessarily an issue for bookies.
Since most Cypriot punters prefer to use credit cards and bank transfers – 2 of the most widely available withdrawal methods – it's rarely an issue to cash out your winnings. The only problem arises if a bettor prefers to use prepaid cards, which don't have a withdrawal option, in which case E-wallets are an excellent alternative.
The Best Cypriot Mobile Betting Sites and Apps
Mobile betting on Cyprus betting sites is possible and easily accessible since any of the best betting site have a mobile website and a mobile betting app. But those who prefer to bet online from their phones should prioritize using a website with a mobile betting app.
Even though a mobile app has the same functionality as a mobile website – it offers a way to bet from a phone – a mobile app is far more convenient to use, stabler, and is designed specifically to work well on mobile devices.
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Moreover, some Cyprus betting apps have special app-exclusive betting bonus offers, which is a big incentive even for those who don't bet from their phones to have a mobile app available. It is relatively easy to accomplish since most of the best sports betting sites, such as Bet365 and William Hill, offer excellent mobile apps.
Using a betting app or at least having it downloaded is one of the best betting tips and is very often overlooked by those who only sometimes bet from their phones.
What to Expect from Betting in Cyprus
Those looking to bet in Cyprus will be satisfied with all their options, from the long list of bookies to the generous selection of markets that resonate with BetZillion's expectations. All in all, it is in a very good spot in structuring its online betting scene, but as with anything, its pros and cons come with it.
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Online Betting in Cyprus: The Law Framework
Online betting in Cyprus was unregulated until 2012, but even before that, many international online betting companies accepted local bettors. So even though the country decided to regulate the online betting market by creating the National Betting Authority (NBA), which oversees all betting activities and issuing licenses, things have mostly stayed the same for the bettors outside of creating a safer environment.
According to the current Cyprus betting law, the National Betting Authority is also responsible for issuing fines, monitoring betting sites allowed, and blocking access to shady bookmakers. As of 2024, nearly 3000 bookmakers are not allowed to offer sports betting, which mainly includes unlicensed and unsafe sportsbooks.
As for the local betting licenses, the NBA charges €30,000 annually or €45,000 for two years, and there are two types of licenses – A and B. A license is for land-based betting services, whereas a B license is for online betting companies in Cyprus; however, bookmakers with a B license can't offer greyhound and horse racing betting and aren't allowed to offer exchange betting.
Even though the country has strict laws with high fines (up to €300,000), the government cannot enforce punishments on offshore bookmakers. So while they have a regulated online betting scene, it has to accept that the list of betting sites available in Cyprus includes offshore bookmakers, which are also some of the most popular.
Licensed Cyprus Bookmakers
As of 2024, there are over a dozen bookmakers with a class B license, allowing them to offer sports betting to locals. The list of licensed bookmakers in Cyprus includes Bet365, Stoiximan, Meridianbet, Parimatch, Alfa Bet, Ubet, MegaBet, Winmasters, Fonbet, and OPAP Bet.
Most of the licensed bookmakers are also very popular among local bettors because they're well-established sports gambling brands with excellent bonus offers and features bettors appreciate. However, they have some downsides.
That concerns the lack of online casino offers – which are prohibited under a class B license. So those who want to enjoy some online casino games tend to register with other international sportsbooks such as Sky Bet, Sporting Betting Club, World Star Betting, Betway, Score Bet, Sporting Bet, and Royal Bet.
Nonetheless, they are limited by the current law when it comes to markets and needs a casino product. They have widely turned towards international bookies since they are left with only a few domestically licensed operators.
History of Sports Betting in Cyprus
The country has a long history in betting and gambling. While it was possible to do long before 2012, it wasn't until then that the government created the needed legal framework to introduce a regulated betting market.
The introduction of the National Betting Authority (NBA) has created a safer betting environment for bettors and imposed strict fines for Cyprus online betting sites which don't follow the rules. But, even though the 2012 law was amended several times, the government still needs to prevent international sportsbooks from offering their services in the country.
While all international bookmakers can apply for a license, only some refuse to do so as it does not benefit them. Since 2012, the Crpyus online betting market has not changed much, although it has grown in size thanks to all the new international bookmakers which decided to start offering sports betting here.
The Future of Online Betting in Cyprus
The Cypriot government recently amended the existing Betting Law of 2012 with minor changes taking effect. However, there was no change in the 13% tax rate that all licensed betting sites in Cyprus must pay. So, this is still a deterrent factor for many reputable brands considering applying for a domestic license.
Especially when taking into account the island's relatively small population. Additionally, the limited betting markets and the prohibition of online casinos on local brands; forced bettors to turn to non-licensed bookies. Considering the government's attitude towards online gambling, things will not likely change any time soon.
Cyprus Overview
Before we conclude our article, here are some interesting facts about betting in Cyprus and the country you might need to learn about.
- Nicosia is the capital and biggest city, followed by Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos.
- Euro is the official currency and the most used currency among punters, ahead of crypto, which is slowly gaining in popularity.
- The most popular online payment methods are credit cards, bank transfers, E-wallets, and prepaid cards.
- Bet365, Parimatch, Wild.io, Hexabet, and William Hill are popular and legal online bookmakers in Cyprus.
- The most popular sports are football, basketball, and futsal.
- The most popular and biggest sports competitions are First Division, Basketball Division A, and Futsal First Division.
- Some popular and successful sports teams include AGBU Ararat, Keravnos, APOEL, and Omonia.
- It is home to many excellent athletes, including Kyriakos Ioannou, Apostolos Parellis, Pavlos Kontides, and Antonis Nikolaidis.
- The country has attended every Olympic games (winter and summer) since 1980 but has won just one silver medal.
- Pavlos Kontides was the first and only athlete to win an Olympic medal when he claimed silver at the 2012 London Olympics in Sailing.
Bottom Line
That concludes our article on the best betting sites in Cyprus with all the information you'll need to know about the country's online betting scene, its pros and cons, and future. Now you're ready to visit the best betting sites, register with top bookmakers, and start betting, but remember to gamble responsibly and never wager with more than you can afford to lose.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is online sports betting legal in Cyprus?Online sports betting in Cyprus has been legal and regulated since 2012. Locals are free to choose between local sportsbooks or international betting operators for sports betting.
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Which is the best betting site in Cyprus?Some of the most popular and best betting sites include international sportsbooks, but the top two most popular are Bet365 and Parimatch, which operate legally.
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Can you bet in Cyprus with Bitcoin?Betting with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is possible in Cyprus, but only on sportsbooks that accept crypto deposits. Most traditional betting sites don't, but plenty of sportsbooks will accept deposits and issue withdrawals with crypto.
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How to bet on live events?Anyone can bet on live events in Cyprus since most sportsbooks offer in-play betting markets. The best sportsbooks also have live streaming and are a significantly better choice for those looking to bet live.
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How do I find a trustworthy bookmaker in Cyprus?The best way to ensure a sportsbook is safe and trustworthy is to check for a valid betting license. Alternatively, bettors can also trust established international sportsbooks with a good reputation.
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What betting offers can I find at Cyprus sportsbooks?There is no limit to which betting offers bettors can find on sportsbooks. The most common bonus betting offers include welcome matched deposit bonuses, free bets, enhanced odds, special promotions, and cashback.
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What are the most popular sports to bet on in Cyprus?The most popular sports to bet on are football, rally, basketball, tennis, futsal, and rugby. Of late, Esports betting has become very popular and is readily available on all online bookmakers, including traditional sportsbooks.
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What are the bonuses and promotions offered to sports bettors?Betting sites in Cyprus offer their customers many betting bonuses and promotions. Those include but are not limited to welcome matched deposit bonuses, free bets, enhanced odds, insurance bets, cashback offers, and VIP Offers. However, the latter is only available to a few bookmakers.
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