🇨🇾 Cyprus · National Betting Authority (NBA)
Cyprus Online Gambling Licence — 2026
An EU betting-licence option with a 12.5% corporate tax — Cyprus regulates online sports betting through the NBA, though casino games online remain prohibited.
Tier 2 — Credible domestic / EU regionalCyprus is the EU's betting-only option. The National Betting Authority licenses online sports betting under Class B, but online casino games stay prohibited — a deliberate scope limit that defines who the jurisdiction suits.
Where it competes is tax. Cyprus has a 12.5% corporate rate, among the lowest in the EU, and licence fees below Malta's. There's a 13% levy on net betting proceeds on top. For a sports-betting operator that wants an EU base without Malta's cost, it's a real alternative.
Quick facts
| Regulator | National Betting Authority ↗ |
|---|---|
| Tier | Tier 2 — Credible domestic / EU regional |
| Licence types | Class A betting licence (land-based), Class B betting licence (online sports betting), Authorised representative registration |
| Application cost | EUR 30,000 (1-year Class B) / EUR 45,000 (2-year) |
| Annual cost | Included in the licence term fee + 13% levy on net proceeds |
| Gaming tax | 13% of net betting proceeds (10% to NBA, ~3% to charity/sport funds) |
| Corporate tax | 12.5% Cyprus corporate tax — among the lowest in the EU |
| Substance | Cyprus-registered company; authorised representative resident in Cyprus; data hosting compliance |
| Timeline | 3-6 months |
Pros
- EU jurisdiction with 12.5% corporate tax
- Clear online sports-betting framework
- Lower fees than Malta
Cons
- Online casino games are prohibited — betting only
- Smaller domestic market
- 13% levy on net proceeds on top of corporate tax
Best for
- Sports-betting operators wanting an EU base
- Groups optimising for low EU corporate tax
- Operators already running land-based betting shops
Recent developments (2025-2026)
The NBA continued enforcement against unlicensed operators through 2025 and updated its responsible-gambling and advertising codes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I offer online casino games under a Cyprus licence?
No. Cyprus licenses online sports betting (Class B) only. Online casino games — slots, table games — remain prohibited under the current framework.
What's the tax on Cyprus betting operators?
A 13% levy on net betting proceeds, plus the EU's 12.5% corporate tax — still a competitive overall load for sports betting.
Do I need a local representative in Cyprus?
Yes. Licensed operators must appoint an authorised representative resident in Cyprus as a point of regulatory contact.