• An overview of the laws surrounding forms of gambling in the United States. Includes online poker / casino / betting as well as charitable gaming and lottery.
• JPP Marketing is an Online Marketing Agency providing internet marketing services both in Cyprus and Location: Panagioti Diomidous 25, Limassol 3020, Cyprus Website: Phone: +32.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE PLAYING ONLINE CASINOS ON CYPRUS

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Cyprus is a popular tourist destination, and the island enjoys close attention from tourists and residents from all over the world. However, partially due to its position, and partially contrary to it, Cyprus sees certain limitations when it comes to gambling legislation.

On the one hand, thousands of tourists seeking entertainment look for land based casinos to make a bet or two for real money on their favourite casino game, and they do find ways to do that. On the other hand, those who want to enjoy online casino Cyprus may face lots of difficulties finding one.

Cyprus, in contrast to many other countries that have a very loose approach to their punting regulations, has clear and comprehensive laws and regulations in place. However, it seems that these regulations are not particularly favourable and advantageous for passionate gamblers. This is why, before you go and make real money bets at any Internet casino Cyprus, make sure you know what rules apply!

Only Offline Gambling is Legal

Both tourists and locals enjoy visiting offline punting houses for their festive atmosphere and betting fun. However, all types of online punting are banned in Cyprus, except sports betting. Local operators cannot run Internet casino sites for local residents.

The good news is that offline punting is legal in Cyp. The sad news is that, only offline punting is legal, and even more, some regions of the island still do not have any punting facilities. There are many brick and mortar gaming houses in Cyp, especially on the Turkish part of the island. These facilities are open to both local residents, non-residents, and tourists alike. There are no practical limitations (except of course age!) that can be applied to any passionate casino gambler who wants to make a few real money bets at a land based facility.

There are even some sports betting and animal racing betting bookmakers and facilities in Cyp, if you know where to go. All these venues require local license by the government, and in fact most of these venues do hold the licenses. There is also a Cyprus Government Lottery that sells tickets to anyone.

Online Gambling is Technically Illegal

The good news is that online sports betting is allowed in Cyprus. Sports betting platforms require Class B license by the government, and they are able to operate and offer their services to both locals and tourists alike. The sad news is that, technically, only sports betting online is legal, and all other forms of real money punting in the web are illegal. Local operators are not allowed to run Internet casino platforms that provide services in the country, and there is even no license for such activity.

But there is another good news! While technically, online punting is illegal, Cyp is not known for prosecuting its residents or guests for access to foreign Internet casino sites run from abroad. Punishment of gamblers is a super rare case for Cyprus, and only in case gamblers seem to make punting their main source of income on a regular basis.

Online Gambling In Cyprus Limassol

As a result, all fans of online punting in Cyprus make bets at foreign websites, and there are many offshore web casinos that are happy to accept punters from Cyp as real money customers.

What About Social Gambling?

There is also such a phenomenon as “social gambling” that suggests very small, or purely tokenistic bets, made just for the sake of playing a game. Social gambling is usually not viewed as illegal, and many countries do not regulate it at all, or make very light regulations. However, according to laws in Cyprus, any social gambling suggests a game of chance to be played, and bets suggest any money, or property, or object which has economic value. So, regardless of whether the bets yield any financial gain to the player, such social games are still regarded as punting activity, and therefore must be licensed.

Final Thoughts

It will be fair to notice that, compared to many other countries, Cyprus has very mild laws in the niche of punting. Even online punting which is technically deemed illegal does not result in severe consequences. It is unlikely that Cyprus will change its legislation anytime soon, so the players are generally free to play wherever they desire.

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Agora Publishing News Service

Last month, in a move reminiscent to that of the U.S. government's decision to ban online gambling, which led to companies like PokerStars being forced to cease operations in the U.S., the parliament in Cyprus banned the use of online casinos and exchange betting to all citizens, regardless of status, brand or legality. The legislation had been in the pipe line since 2010 but was recently passed through after a unanimous vote in favour of the ban. This means that it is now illegal for those living in Cyprus to participate in online poker or betting games.

The Cyprus Mail reported that the unpopular bill will regulate legal gaming and place a tax on net betting revenue after winnings. However, responsibility for upholding the new law falls on the Cyprus police forces, who have conducted a number of raids in order to crack down on illegal gambling operations. Companies or individuals found to be in breach of the law will be libel to pay a fine of up to €170,000 and/or will face a five year jail sentence.

Cyprus Newspapers

Online Gambling Laws Cyprus

Recent raids have produced a small number of suspects and computers seized in connection to these operations but police have stated that these actions will continue to ensure that illegal online sports betting is eradicated from the Mediterranean island country. Christos Christofides, the deputy government spokesperson stated that the online gambling business was a 'social wound.'

Controversy has stemmed from the ruling that OPAP, the organisation that runs the lottery, is exempt and will be allowed to continue operating. This is due to the bilateral agreement that the company has between Greece and Cyprus. Many companies have found issue with this and Betfair, a betting website, is due to take legal action. They believe that the ruling does not adhere to European Union law and are in discussion with advisors. StockMarketWire.com reported that 4 per cent of Betfair's revenue in its last financial year was generated in Cyprus. This amounts to approximately £9 million.

However, a more pressing concern is the affect this decision will have on the economy of Cyprus. Financial experts predict a decline in the revenue that Cyprus will receive due to the law. Legislators estimated that online poker, casino games and slot machines see a €2.5 billion annual turnover.