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If you are trying to find the best Cyprus gambling websites, look no further. This online gambling guide has been designed to cater for all aspects of Cypriot bettors that want to bet in sun-kissed Cyprus, including laws governing gambling in the country as well as licensed and unlicensed betting sites.

Best Betting Sites in Cyprus

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Licensed vs International Cyprus Betting Sites

The people searching for Cyprus betting websites usually come across two main choices. These include licensed Cypriot gambling sites and international sites; however, what is the best alternative?

Such a question does not have a simple answer. The various reputable bookmakers in Cyprus are well developed, but betting live as well as in-game options online is not possible.

Therefore, we suggest overseas platforms for Cypriot punters. In most cases, these platforms are more attractive as they are not subject to the stringent regulatory standards stipulated under Cyprus licenses.

This leads to better bonuses like free bets and promotions among international sites. In addition, foreign operators allow in-game betting meaning that you can enjoy the action as your favourite team plays live.

Stiffer competition from surrounding regions may means improved odds and payouts can be found on international betting sites for Cypriots. International sites generally have more advantages.

Nevertheless, for every Cyprus betting site we recommend, whether international or licensed, you will be pleased as a customer. Cypriot bettors can trust that all the recommended sportsbooks on our list are the best in the industry and that they will have a great time there from beginning to end.

What Deposit Methods Are Available for Cypriot Bettors?

If you are making a deposit or withdrawal to/from a Cypriot bookmaker, the transaction should be frictionless. Luckily for bettors in Cyprus, our recommended brands facilitate account funding with ease.

Some of the most popular payment methods for Cypriot bettors include the following. Cheque deposits, although not available at all betting sites, are also some other methods that might be available.

Bank Transfer

Bank transfer is the most commonly used mode of deposit in Cyprus for those who like gambling on sports. Perhaps, it might be due to the fact that it is the simplest approach to use.

It’s as simple as linking your account to the bank and then instantaneously transferring funds to the betting site. Some transfers are not just faster than others while on some there may be an occasional fee. Always read carefully to know how you can use your money most effectively.

Credit Cards

Cyprus gamblers have another favorite: credit cards. When you deposit money from a credit card at a Cyprus betting site, it’s pretty much the same as purchasing things online. Just give them your credit card details, which include expiry date and security code, and you can begin.

There is, however, one point to be careful about: your bank could refuse to accept deposits at some betting websites on Cyprus. It does not occur frequently, but it might happen in this case so have another method of payment available just in case.

E-Wallets

Online gamblers all over the world still like to use Skrill and NETeller and Cyprus is not different. All the online payment sites we recommend will take these internet payment services.

There is also a high possibility that similar electronic wallets might be on offer. E-wallets are our best picks since they allow making semi-anonymous payments. Hence, their deposit success rate is almost 100%.

Prepaid Cards

Depositing at Cyprus betting sites with a specific card may be something you like, and prepaid cards could be the way to go. There are services such as paysafecard that allow you to fund your card then use it to deposit cash into your account.

What Are the Most Popular Sports in Cyprus?

Most sports in Cyprus are governed by organizations under the Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO). Nonetheless, sports that are played universally are popular in this island country. Cypriots have a wide range of fan favorite sports from all over the world to bet on which has led to a profitable betting market for them.

Football

Given that Cyprus is an island previously governed by British, one would not be surprised to learn that football is its most popular sport. It began in 1934 and the top domestic league is Cypriot First Divisions. Other national events include the Cypriot Cup which is run by the CFA.

You can expect to find CFA events on Cyprus gambling sites. But that will not restrict you to internal affairs only. In fact, football is the most loved sport in the world and betting sites have recognized this. For instance, there are betting options for major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and also domestic leagues such as Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, English Premier League etc.

Basketball

Cyprus’s football belongs to the same level as basketball. Professional and non-professional teams take part in a national league. While the Cypriot basketball team is not internationally recognized, there are some that have excelled at different European competitions like EKA AEL.

It goes without saying that international competitions are also loved by those who play basketball. The European leagues and the NBA (the US National Basketball Association, not to be confused with the National Betting Authority in Cyprus) offers great chances of making money for Cypriots who bet on basketball.

Tennis

Popular sport in Cyprus is tennis. It is played recreationally by many Cypriots and there was a surge of popularity during mid 2000s when the country’s own Marcos Baghdatis attained a career high ranking of 8th worldwide. Baghdatis’ success can be attributed to him being the runner-up at the Australian Open in 2006 and semi-finalist at Wimbledon that year.

After he retired in 2019, there has been no Cypriot player who has come up to take over Baghdatis’ position and this remains so till today. Nevertheless, Cyprus tennis is a very common activity among people where they play for fun and place bets.

Our recommended sites have a wide range of tennis bets available to Cypriot punters, especially for the four grand slams namely Wimbledon, US Open, French Open and Australian Open.

Rally Racing

Rally racing is an exclusive motorsport where drivers race over all kind of land. The cars built for this sport are street legal and can go as fast as they want, a feature that sets it apart from Formula One or NASCAR.

It is therefore natural that Cypriot betting sites should cover rally racing. The annual Cyprus Rally, for instance, is highly favored by bettors from Cyprus. The event became the sole mixed-surface rally in the World Rally Championship in 2009. This means that a lot of Cypriots love international rally racing as it holds one of the world’s best races.

Athletics

Every country in the world is proud of its citizens’ personal athletic accomplishments, and this is especially true for the Olympic Games. Since 1980 they have been able to send athletes to every Olympics. Nevertheless, it took some while before the nation came back home with a medal. In 2012 Pavlos Kontides won silver in men’s laser sailing.

To date, Cyprus is still to win another Olympic medal but will continue participating in future games. With a population of about 1 million, Cyprus is faced with challenges in trying to compete globally against countries such as the US, Australia Britain and China. Nonetheless one can still place bets on her favourite athletic outfits whether they are from Cyprus or elsewhere.

Rugby Union

Rugby is still a relatively new game in Cyprus, but it has been growing in popularity quite fast. Cyprus national rugby team is called The Mighty Mouflons. It takes its name from the horned sheep which is also the national animal of the country.

Occasionally, there have been instances when they have been disqualified from tournaments due to failure of meeting the rugby union criteria. Cyprus team is a big deal. It is this team that holds the world record for winning most international rugby union matches in a row, 24 times. The streak extended over six years and ended following their loss to Latvia.

The island country’s rugby is gradually becoming popular due to the increasing influence of the Mighty Mouflons.

GPS Stadium

Is Online Betting Legal in Cyprus?

Cyprus is a country that functions effectively as an island for people who would want to bet. However, Cypriots have better chances of betting at international sites because of limited options for online betting in Cyprus. Even though the process of gambling is full of history in this land, there are more ways than ever before to place bets today.

Cyprus: A Brief History

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island in Africa, Europe and Middle East. The country of Cyprus is an exception because it has been divided into two parts. The internationally recognized Greek dominated Republic of Cyprus holds sway over the southern and western parts of the Island, accounting for about 60% of its area. In contrast, the northern part is under self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s rule.

The situation has remained unchanged since 1974 when Turkey attacked the island. Up to this day, Turkey is the only country which recognizes the north as an independent state while the rest of the world refers to northern cyprus as a Turkish military occupied area. Cyprus still remains divided despite some improvement in recent times.

Online Betting in Cyprus

Cyprus legalizes online gambling in some instances as long as there is a license for the operator, which allows popular games such as horse racing and sports betting among others to be visited by Cypriots.

Nevertheless, betting sites in Cyprus must be licensed. It is against the country’s laws for a betting site to allow bets without one. However, international betting sites could also be an option for individuals. Even though the Cyprus authorities make occasional moves against illegitimate operations, the focus is still on bigger matters rather than single persons. That is why it is safe to use our recommended sportsbooks to bet on your favorite sports games.

Cyprus Gambling Oversight

Cyprus passed the Betting Law 2012 as it was so aptly named. Its basic function was to establish the National Betting Authority (NBA) which would oversee all betting activities in Cyprus. The rules and regulations are set by NBA Cyprus and licenses given to gambling operators.

The Betting Law of 2012 came into effect in Cyprus and it regulated the gambling market there by allowing for sports betting and lotteries, but banned other forms of internet gambling. In this regard, online poker games were especially hard hit as were virtual casinos. Also, banned were sports betting exchanges that allowed live betting.

This was followed by a Country Law in 2015, after three years. It was called the Cyprus Casino Control Law and permitted construction of a Cyprus casino as well as four satellite facilities. Melco Resorts got the license and constructed City of Dreams Mediterranean Casino Resort which is still operational today.

FAQ

Can I bet online in Cyprus?

Yes, there are numerous Cyprus gambling sites where to place a bet on your favourite sport. There are two types of gambling sites in the country: those that are licensed and international ones. Licensed betting sites are those that have been approved by the Cyprus government. International sites are authorized elsewhere. They offer good odds, bonuses and enhanced competition among different websites operating in this region; however, they don’t permit live betting, which is found in Cypriot websites

Is there a charge when one wins bets in Cypriot sport?

Cyprus betting operators can pay taxes to work within the nation, yes, if they have a license. Taxes on your sports wins as a bettor in Cyprus are not mandatory. A lottery is taxable at Cyprus and this is the only form of gambling that does so for winnings that exceed €5,000.

Can I bet on the Cypriot First Division online?

Absolutely. Most Cyprus betting sites, which also include international bookmakers, offer odds and markets for the Cypriot First Division. In addition to an assortment of other Cyprus sports, there are lots of other global popular events too.

Q.What is the most popular sport in Cyprus?

A. Cyprus is a country where football reigns supreme, as in many other countries around the globe. It’s a very popular pastime to play, watch and bet on. Tennis, basketball, and rally racing are also greatly preferred by Cypriots.

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