MariCorp
Cyprus Gaming License
Obtain a Cyprus Class B online betting licence regulated by the National Betting Authority (NBA). Cyprus has been the EU’s niche iGaming jurisdiction since 2012 — combining a favourable tax regime, EU regulatory status, and a business-friendly ecosystem for betting operators.
CYPRUS
Cyprus online Betting Licence (Class B), regulated entity National Betting Authority (NBA)
MALTA
Malta iGaming licence for Business-to-Business (B2B) or Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Regulator Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
ANJOUAN
Suitable for both B2B and B2C online gaming, regulated by the Anjouan Gaming Board and Offshore Financial Authority (OFA).
CURACAO
eGaming Master license and Sub-license Regulated by Curaçao Internet Gaming Association (CIGA)
KAHNAWAKE
Provides operators with a flexible, cost-effective, and straightforward setup process, accompanied by numerous advantages.
Cyprus — The EU's iGaming Niche Jurisdiction
National Betting Authority (NBA) — Regulator
The NBA was established under the Betting Law of 2012 (106(Ι)/2012). It is responsible for the licensing and supervision of all sports betting and online betting activity within the Republic of Cyprus. The Cyprus Class B licence is the online betting licence issued by the NBA.
Since the launch of the Betting Law in 2012, Cyprus has positioned itself as the EU’s premier niche jurisdiction for regulated betting and gaming operators. Its favourable tax framework, EU membership, and business-friendly infrastructure make it an attractive base for international operators seeking an EU-regulated licence.
The Cyprus Betting Licence (Class B) covers the provision of online electronic betting services. Operators are regulated under the NBA and must comply with the full scope of the Betting Law 2012 and its subsequent directives.
Application Requirements
To qualify for a Class A or Class B Cyprus Betting Licence, the applicant company must meet the following statutory requirements under the Betting Law 2012:
1
Company has shares registered in Cyprus; OR is registered abroad but has an overseas company branch in Cyprus, or a partnership with a Cypriot company, whose principal activity is the carrying out of bets.
2
Issued and paid-up share capital of at least EUR 500,000. This requirement applies to both Cypriot and overseas companies operating through a Cyprus branch.
3
Bank Guarantee issued by a bank of Cyprus or another EU member state, in the amount of EUR 550,000, expiring six months after receipt of the licence.
4
Demonstrated ability to have sufficient financial resources to pay player winnings at all times.
5
Maintains a suitable control and accounting system for the provision of betting services as required by the NBA.
6
Ability to comply with all player protection regulations imposed by the National Betting Authority under the Betting Law 2012.
Cost & Duration of Licence
All Cyprus betting licences are issued for one or two years and may be renewed upon application. The NBA may revoke or suspend a licence in the event of non-compliance with regulations under Article 24 of the Betting Law 2012.
1-Year Licence
€30,000
Annual licence fee payable to the NBA Renewable upon application
2-Year Licence
€45,000
Two-year licence fee payable to the NBA Recommended for established operators
Gaming Tax
A combined gaming tax rate of 13% applies to all Class A and Class B licensees. This is calculated on net revenue and is broken down as follows per Article 71 of the Betting Law 2012:
Combined Gaming Tax Breakdown
13% Total
10%
Betting Tax — Republic of Cyprus
Applied on net proceeds from all licensed Class A or B bets
3%
Contribution to National Betting Authority
2% allocated to Cyprus Sport Federations · 1% to gambling addiction programmes
AML & Technical Requirements
Class B licensees must comply with specific AML obligations and technical infrastructure requirements set out in the Betting Law 2012 and Directive 13/2016.
- AML Legislation
- Accepted payment methods: Debit/Credit Card and/or other electronic payment methods (Article 54)
- No cash transactions permitted for Class B electronic bets (Article 58(1))
- Bets may not be accepted unless sufficient player account funds are available to cover the bet amount
- Class B licensee must maintain a valid bank account at an authorised banking institution operating in Cyprus
- Technical Requirements
- A dedicated website address with a .com.cy TLD registered with the Cyprus CYDNS regulatory authority
- The betting platform must meet all criteria described in Directive 13/2016 of the Betting Law 2012
Types of Games & Services Allowed
The NBA issues licences for both land-based and online betting. The Class B (online) licence covers the following permitted and excluded activities:
Online Sports Betting
Electronic betting services on sports events and other permitted activities — the core Class B licence activity.
Land-Based Betting (Class A)
Provision of betting services within licensed premises, excluding online and horse racing betting.
Slot Machines — Excluded
Slot machines are explicitly excluded from the Class B online betting licence scope.
Online Casino & Live Games — Excluded
Online casino games of chance provided with a direct link and electronic horse racing are excluded from Class B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the responsible regulatory authority for Cyprus betting?
What types of games and services are permitted under a Class B licence?
- Slot machines
- Online casino games of chance provided with a direct link
- Electronic horse racing betting
What is the gaming tax rate for Class B licensees?
Every Class A or B licensed bookmaker pays a betting tax of 10% on net proceeds, plus a contribution tax of 3% on net proceeds — for a combined rate of 13%. The 3% contribution is split between Cyprus Sport Federations (2%) and gambling addiction programmes (1%).
Can the licence be revoked or suspended?
Yes. The NBA may revoke or suspend a licence in the event of failure to comply with the regulations under Article 24 of the Betting Law 2012. Maintaining full compliance with AML, technical, and financial obligations is essential throughout the licence term.
Does the company need to be incorporated in Cyprus?
The company must either have shares registered in Cyprus, or be registered abroad with an established Cyprus branch or partnership with a Cypriot company whose principal activity is carrying out bets. In either case, the minimum paid-up share capital of EUR 500,000 is required.