Cyprus Betting Sites

Cyprus betting sites are part of a gaming hub that has grown over the years, becoming home to many offshore companies and dedicated payment solutions. Resident bettors have access to many brands, some of which are licensed locally.

Sports betting is generally not an issue, as you can find online and land-based operators accepting traditional banking methods for pre-match. One of the reasons why locals hugely favor the international bookies is that they offer a more immersive experience, often backed by a live section and a casino. 

This guide analyzes the different layers bettors must know when selecting a bookie. We explore the laws, taxes, and implications of betting on international websites. If you are not a first-timer and are looking for the latest betting trend, here are our three favorite bookmakers that accept Cypriots.

Players looking to open an account with either type of bookie have an obvious give-and-take to decide on. On the one hand, you can opt for safe and secure betting with licensed brands and payment methods. On the other hand, you might prefer unrestricted sportsbooks and competitive promotions.

Which Are The Best Betting Sites in Cyprus?

How We Rate The Cyprus Sports Betting Sites

Our vetted bookies must allow players to register for an account. The list of available brands is still long and confusing despite the attempt to block non-compliant domains. Here are the criteria we look for to crop the list and keep the ones with the best services: 

Sports and Markets

The operators that offer betting in Cyprus deliver good odds and various alternative lines on top leagues. However, these bookmakers rarely have more than a few sports and do not cover many secondary events. We seek sportsbooks with overall high payouts that provide a detailed offering on global events.

Live Betting

Offshore bookmakers usually cover in-game matches with fast updates, visual graphics, or video streaming. These factors propel them to the top of our ratings when available. The live section of a bookie is also analyzed in the individual reviews.

Features

We love to use tools like Bet Builder, Cash Out, and Multi-View, as they enhance the overall experience. In addition, when a brand has so many features integrated into its platform, it reflects how serious it is about its image. Many bookies will partner with award-winning platforms to gain the edge over the competition by offering advanced tools as well.

Payments

The Cyprus bookmakers offer the same processors as their international counterparts, with the exception of crypto. For this reason, the betting sites we review must have various options for users who decide to join them. We always prefer using privacy-based e-wallets or crypto stablecoins. 

Terms

Another important tell about bookies is their T&C. Whether they have unfair and suspicious rules or do not uphold them, we hard test each brand. Our tests include withdrawals, processing times, and verification.

Which Are The Top 5 Online Bookmakers In Cyprus?

Online gambling in the small island can get a little tricky, so we compiled the best brands that offer sports bettors a wholesome experience. These operators have been selected among the most trending in the country:

BetBlast

BetBlast is a bookie that has been breaking all the norms and receiving great acclaim for it. Luckily, Cypriots are accepted. You can benefit from a whopping welcome bonus that combines a deposit reward, free spins, and freebets, before moving on to other offers.

The sportsbook, hidden behind a casino-centered layout, is amazingly good. You can find odds up to 97% on top-tier events in football, basketball, and a few other niche sports. Bets on Division A or the Cyprus Cup include Fast Markets, over 22 alternative lines, and some extra stakes like Clean Sheet and To Win Either Half.

The bookie also offers tools like Cash Out and Live Streaming, but their availability is limited. On the downside, you will not find a native app, and payments are limited to cards and crypto.

BC.Game

BC.Game is one of the innovators of crypto gambling, offering a popular sportsbook alongside its proprietary games and a full-fledged betting site. The brand has partnered with many athletes and clubs, sponsoring eSports teams and contracting celebrity ambassadors, which adds credibility to its years of experience.

The sports coverage is on par with industry-average, as you can find over 45 sports, with betting lines like Player Props and Fast Markets, at average odds above 94%. Besides the unbeatable crypto choices, you can buy tokens using traditional banking methods or e-wallets.

The bookie recently added a downloadable APK, which allows you to use all the website features. You can choose between a first deposit and a rakeback bonus, with lucrative rewards. You can unlock the latter with the native token.

Gamdom

Gamdom is a local favorite that has managed to combine sports betting, horse racing, e-sports, casino, and luck games in one competitive platform. You can find football, basketball, and 20 other sports at an average payout of 93.50%. Local matches have 1x2, Totals, and Asian markets, backed by statistics and H2H information.

The gambling site is suitable for Cypriots who want to transact with crypto, use bridges for PayPal, Trustly, or card payments and keep their tokens in a vault. By signing up through our link, you can get the exclusive welcome bonus.

The website has great localization, and it can be set to Greek. You can display your crypto total in 12+ FIAT currencies, including EUR. Lastly, it offers 24/7 support to its registered users.

BetOnline

BetOnline is a hard-tested brand with over 20 years of experience, and it provides bettors from Cyprus with an American-style bookmaker. Among its many sponsorships, BetOnline recently became an official partner of LaLiga.

The payout can reach a staggering 97% on A-List events in US sports, EU football, basketball, and even ice hockey. The bookie has its own twist on the Bet Builder, and it is offered on multiple lines, including player props in the Greek Super League.

It is a great destination for bettors who do not mind transacting in USD, especially since cryptocurrencies are an option. Promotions can differ from country to country, and you must contact support to check what bonus and promo code you can use, as the advertised bonus is for North American players.

Sportsbet.io

Sportsbet.io is another example of a crypto-first betting site that has established itself as a trustworthy operator. Despite flying under the radar of most bettors, the bookie delivers a top-notch sports section, with over 40 categories and unique player bets, like total passes or turnovers.

These wagers are offered on local matches, too. The website supports many languages, but Greek is not one of them. You can download the native betting app on iOS and Android.

Finally, the cashier only accepts cryptocurrencies, but you can buy them through on-ramps for FIAT. The operator often has dedicated bonuses, which you can wager on sports.

What You Need To Know About Online Betting in Cyprus

The island has always benefited from a prosperous betting scene. In 2012, the government decided to regulate gambling and started a mechanism for online licensing. It became mandatory for potential operators to comply, or have their IPs restricted in the country.

Additionally, bettors may struggle to find reliable online betting options in Cyprus, as many international brands are based in the country and are unable to offer their services to local residents. 

Is Gambling in Cyprus Legal?

It is legal for adults to bet in Cyprus, but the country has very restrictive rules in place to control its revenue. For example, local gambling sites cannot offer a live sports betting section, a casino vertical, or other games of luck. To participate in any of these products, you must either resort to land-based operators or seek ways to bypass the regulations online. 

Luckily for bettors, there are no legal repercussions if they choose to place stakes on international sites. If you are crypto-savvy, you can choose any of the reliable bookmakers on our list.

Do Cypriots Pay Taxes on Winnings?

A player’s gambling revenue is exempt from taxes. The National Betting Authority is trying to contain residents on their approved websites. They decided to exclude player winnings from taxation. If you win on offshore betting sites, you can declare it on your income statement, although the government doesn’t require you to do so. 

Which are the Top Betting Apps in Cyprus

You can download many apps for Cypriot bookmakers to place bets from your phone. Some of the licensed brands have solid APKs. In the case of Parimatch, which officially withdrew from Cyprus, you can still access it through its Android and iOS apps.

Unfortunately, you cannot access the casinos on these softwares, and the sites with the best betting apps, like 1xbet and 22bet, are blocked. The only viable solution is to install the bookmaker’s page as a web app with a private browser window. Most brands have an optimized website that is compatible with all mobile devices. 

On What Sports Do Locals Bet in Cyprus

Local websites with decent platforms often stop offering a sport with low betting volume, even if they can support it. By looking at the available disciplines and markets on websites like Meridianbet and Bet On Alfa, it becomes clear which 15 sports are the favorite on the island.

Football Betting in Cyprus

All bookies that accept locals must prioritize European soccer competitions. Despite being a small country that has never won an international tournament, it produces very competitive soccer clubs. The most successful teams at home are APOEL and Omonia, which competed in the UEFA CL, Europa League, and other top-tier events.

In these matches, bettors can bet on 1x2, Totals, and Handicaps, as well as Player Stats, at payouts up to 96%. The games harvest the biggest volume of sports betting in Cyprus. Other popular competitions include the local league and Super Cup, the Euro, and the English Premier League.

National and European Basketball

Basketball is the only competitor to football in terms of popularity and betting options. The national team and clubs frequently play in European and international competitions like the Euroleague, FIBA CL, and EuroBasket Cup. Clubs like Keravnos, AEK, and AEL have always been fierce contenders.

The Division A games at home have considerable viewership and consequent betting action. However, these matches will have fewer markets and lower odds. It is also difficult to find Player Props. These reasons drive many punters to the European competitions, the NBA, and the Greek League.

A-List Tennis

The love of tennis was sparked by the former star Marcos Baghdatis, who reached the Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Currently, tennis still receives much interest in Cyprus, especially among bettors looking to punt on many matches around the clock. 

Most bookmakers accepting locals will have solid payouts, live coverage, and betting lines to capitalize on the wagering volume.

Other Betting Trends

The following popular sports among online gamblers are not surprising. Betting on e-sports captures much attention from younger players, while athleticism garners considerable bookmaker stakes, especially when Cypriots compete in them.  

The remarkable trend that can be spotted on betting sites is motorsports. Many residents like to follow and bet on Speedway, Formula 1, and MotoGP, categories offered by local and international brands alike.

Steps to Start Betting in Cyprus

If you are a beginner bettor looking to join your first bookie, you must still consider the payment methods we will investigate later. On the other hand, if you want to start punting today, here are the steps you must follow, regardless of which operator you choose:

1. 1
   Select a brand that fits your needs: Some players pursue the highest odds and most versatile sportsbook, while others want to be able to play on casino and poker tables. Whatever draws you, stick to our vetted bookies and read their reviews before you decide on one. 
2. 2
   Consider your bonus options: You might be out to benefit from the biggest welcome reward, and there are many lucrative offers. In this case, it would be wise to read the promotion rollover terms before committing to it. Our bonus guide analyzes these offers, including their restricted bets, payments, and maximum winnings.
3. 3
   Create an account: We recommend joining these betting sites using our links to ensure you log onto the correct domain and benefit from exclusive programs. Offshore bookies rarely ask for KYC, but you must input your correct details in the signup form. If you can verify your profile, complete the requirements before depositing.
4. 4
   Fund your balance: At this stage, click the cashier button to check out the available payment methods and their limits. Note that local and international brands have some similar methods, like cards and e-wallets, but their use has different implications. More on that in the next paragraph.
5. 5
   Start Wagering: After topping up, you are ready to go. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or you are placing your first stake, our guides and predictions will help you find the most valuable sports bets online.

What Payment Methods Do Cypriots Prefer?

The authorities offer many benefits to financial institutions behind international betting sites. Brands that accept crypto often have their main companies or payment processors based in Cyprus. However, this reduces resident gamblers' options since these bookies must abide by local laws and reject Cypriots and their transaction requests. 

Payments on Betting Sites in Cyprus

Below, you will find the most adopted transaction processors in Cyprus. Bettors use them, and bookmakers accept them. Remember that privacy-based solutions like Skrill and Paysafe cannot hide your activity on licensed betting sites.  

VISA / Mastercard: The card providers are by far the most common methods, and Cypriots have the luxury of using them on most websites that accept them. Theoretically, the government could ban transactions with gambling sites through these companies, but this is not the case for now.

Bank Transfer: Bettors can always resort to e-banking, and the Revolut betting sites reflect only a sample of the available banks. Some local institutions could have accelerated processors to authorize a transfer faster, but only licensed operators have them. Otherwise, bank transfers could take days to be approved. 

Skrill: If you opt for a renowned digital wallet, you can benefit from endless services, but there is a caveat. Although Skrill bookmakers are the most common, and we highly recommend them for betting, some of those bookies disqualify the method from promotions. If you have an account with the e-wallet, double-check the bonus rules.

Paysafe Card: One of the fastest-growing mobile payment solutions, Paysafe is accepted by an increasing number of providers. It belongs to the same holding group as Skrill and Neteller.

Can You Use Crypto for Gambling?

Cyprus is considered a Bitcoin hub, home to the first university offering degrees in blockchain and crypto. A vast number of international companies, including betting sites, choose the island as their headquarters for relaxed taxation and the crypto-friendly environment. 

Paradoxically, this can be an obstacle for players who want to bet using digital tokens. You can only find cryptos on offshore bookies. If those businesses are based in Cyprus, they will not accept locals. This narrows down the choices greatly. The only option left is the non-KYC betting sites that do not mind VPNs. 

Betting in Cyprus: What Does the Future Hold

As it is now, the market is fully regulated, and the country is a gambling hub for international companies looking for flexible financial solutions. Yet, bettors feel overprotected by the government and have limited choices. For operators, the entry cost to the market is one of the highest, which is reflected in shorter odds and fewer bonuses. 

The authorities already have thousands of companies’ domains restricted, and there is not much change expected in their approach. On the plus side, if you want to bet under the radar, you have no legal repercussions. You must only worry about finding a reputable website that accepts you.

Gambling Framework in Closeby Lands

Taking the time to explore gambling regulations in nearby countries is a prudent approach for individuals involved in online betting. Despite their proximity, neighbouring nations may have diverse gambling rules. For more info, follow some of our detailed articles below: 

⏩ Best Betting Sites in Greece

⏩ Top Turkish Betting Sites

⏩ List of UK Bookmakers

⏩ Best Israel Betting Sites