Online poker in Cyprus operates under a restrictive regulatory framework where most forms of online gambling are prohibited except for sports betting. While land-based casino operations, including poker, are legal under the Cyprus Casino Control Law 2015, online casino games including poker remain strictly forbidden (1). The legal framework creates a clear distinction between land-based gambling, which is regulated and permitted, and online gambling activities, which are generally prohibited with the sole exception of fixed-odds sports betting.
The regulatory oversight is divided between two main authorities: the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission, which regulates land-based casino operations under the Cyprus Casino Control Law 2015, and the National Betting Authority (NBA), which oversees betting activities under the Betting Law of 2019 (2). The NBA, established in 2012 as an independent administrative authority, is responsible for licensing and supervising betting activities, specifically focusing on sports betting operations both online and land-based.
"The essential fact to notice here is that only online sports betting is allowed in Cyprus. Generally speaking, all online gambling casinos, poker, slot machines, etc., are fully prohibited."
Cyprus maintains a strict stance against online poker and casino games, with only licensed sports betting permitted in the online space. The country's approach reflects a cautious regulatory position where land-based gambling is controlled through proper licensing while online gambling remains largely restricted. Players seeking online poker in Cyprus face significant legal restrictions, as accessing unlicensed gambling websites constitutes an offense under current legislation. The regulatory framework emphasizes player protection through controlled environments rather than permitting unrestricted online gambling access.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-cyprus/
https://nba.gov.cy/en/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
