CYPRUS
Remote Gaming License

Legislation

The following laws apply:

(a) Betting Law of 2012 – (L. 106(I)/2012, as amended):

• Regulates land-based and online sports and another betting.
• Created the National Betting Authority.

(b) The Taxation of Horseracing Bets and Sweepstakes Law 1973 (L. 48/1973):

• Regulates horse racing in Cyprus, its provision by the Nicosia Race Club (and its representatives), and its taxation.

(c) Lottery Act (Cap. 74):

• Regulates lotteries, bingo, and skilled competitions.
• With the exception of small-scale lotteries/bingo, which is a secondary event in a context of other non-profitable/charitable/festive events and private (for members of an organization or association) lotteries/bingo, which are allowed under specific conditions, only the state is allowed to perform lotteries.

(d) The Agreement between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus regarding the games offered by OPAP (Ratification) Law of 2003 (L. 34(III)/2003).

(e) Certain Games of Chance Law of 2018 (L. 52(I)/2018):

• Certain games of chance were introduced in 2003 under a state-granted monopoly to OPAP through the bilateral agreement between the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus [ratified by L. 34(III)/2003 above under (d)]. The Certain Games of Chance Act is the new framework under which these games are offered, under a single license, with the National Betting Authority as the new regulator.

(f) The Casino Operations and Control Law 2015 – (L. 124(I)/2015):

• Regulates state-granted monopolies for casino games.
• License valid overall for 30 years, while for the first 15 years it will be an exclusive concession.
• Created the Cyprus National Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission.

(g) Games Machines, Skill Machines, and Entertainment Machines Law of 1996 (L. 32(I)/1996):

• Prohibits the provision of any game of chance, betting, gambling, lottery, bingo, etc. through machines.

License Types

“The Betting Law” imposes 2 types of licenses:

• Class A – Manages offline sports betting – this applies only to the bookmakers with real offices, except horse racing or other services regulated under the class B license.
• Class B – Manages online activities, except slot machines and casinos lotteries.

Licensing Process

Each company that wants to obtain an A or B license has to meet the following requirements:

• Cyprus stocks availability;
• Foreign registration;
• Presence of a division of a foreign company in Cyprus with primary activity in betting. Partnership with a local company is also permissible. The minimal share capital of a foreign or local business is EUR 500,000;
• Cyprus or other EU bank warranty for at least EUR 550,000. The warranty should expire in 6 months after obtaining the license;
• Sufficient resources for players payments;
• Acceptable accounting system for the chosen service;
• Compliance with the “Betting law of 2012” in part of players protection.

Licensing Fees

The applicant can get a license only for 1 or 2 years. After expiration, it is possible to apply for a renewal. The National Betting Agency reserves a right to revoke the license at any time if its owner violates current law (Article 24)

The license is issued only after fee payment, which depends on the license duration:

• EUR 30,000 for 1-year license;
• EUR 45,000 for 2 years.

The Class B license should be paid only via debit card/credit card / any other electronic payment. Cash payment is forbidden. (Article 58(1)).

After receiving the class B license, the licensee must open an account in a Cyprus bank or other institution that is allowed to provide banking services in Cyprus. Class B licensees have to analyze a player’s current account before accepting his bet. If there are not enough funds to pay the rate, a licensee has to reject the bet.

Gambling Taxation

A combined rate of 13%, which consists of 10% of net revenue, 2% assigned to the Cyprus sports Federations, and 1% for extra gambling programmers (Article 71).

Technical Requirements

All the data should be stored exclusively on a Cyprus server data system. The server/data center has to be connected to the government electronic system in order to pass the data on transactions. An address of the website which accepts players’ bets has to be ended with LTD of “.com.cy”.

Contact Szilaghi Consulting to Get Your Cyprus Gambling License

For more than 17 years, Szilaghi Consulting has been working with startups, entrepreneurs, and companies already established for online gambling. We have worked all over the world, but we have a special and extensive practice in Cyprus. During this time, I gained a deep knowledge of the requirements and general obligations of the process of incorporating the company and obtaining a license for gambling in Cyprus. We have established relationships with industry stakeholders, including authorities, service providers, and other gaming companies. This positions us as market leaders in assisting our customers with Cyprus licensing goals.

Through our extensive and carefully verified network of contacts in the country, we can ensure that you move efficiently through the entire setup process. We know everything you need to know about requirements, criteria, nuances, and possible obstacles and can help you prevent and navigate whatever comes your way.

To incorporate the company and apply for a gambling license in Cyprus or just to discuss your plan, vision or options, contact Szilaghi Consulting today.