Europe · NBA-regulated · online betting (Class B)
Cyprus Gaming Licence
An EU-regulated sportsbook licence — with a catch. Cyprus licenses online betting (Class B) through the National Betting Authority, not online casino. It buys real EU credibility, but demands €500,000 capital, a €550,000 bank guarantee and a 13% revenue levy. For serious sportsbook operators. Vantegris tells you honestly if it fits.
overview
Why Cyprus.
Cyprus is an EU member state with a regulated betting regime — but it is important to understand its scope. The National Betting Authority (NBA) licenses betting only: a Class B licence covers online (electronic) betting, while Class A covers land-based. Online casino games are not licensable in Cyprus, so this is a sportsbook route, not an all-verticals licence.
For a serious sportsbook operator it delivers genuine EU credibility, but the bar is high: minimum paid-up share capital of €500,000, a €550,000 bank guarantee from an NBA-approved Cyprus institution, and a combined levy of 13% of net revenue (10% betting tax plus a 3% contribution), on top of 12.5% corporate tax. Licences run for one or two years. We'll tell you honestly whether Cyprus fits your product — and point you elsewhere if your model is casino-led.
advantages
Why operators pick it.
A licence from an EU member state, respected by players, partners and banks for sportsbook products.
A dedicated betting authority (the NBA) with a defined, transparent regime.
Cyprus's 12.5% corporate tax and EU standing make it a credible base for a betting group.
A mature EU financial and corporate services hub around the licence.
We only recommend Cyprus when your product is genuinely betting-led — not casino.
head to head
Cyprus vs. Malta
| Criteria | Cyprus (NBA) | Malta (MGA) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Betting only | All verticals (4 types) |
| Min. share capital | €500,000 | €40k–€240k |
| Bank guarantee | €550,000 | Not required |
| Tax/levy | 13% net revenue + 12.5% corp | 5% (MT players) |
| Licence fee | €30k (1yr) / €45k (2yr) | €25,000 + contribution |
| Licence term | 1–2 years | 10 years |
| Best suited to | Serious sportsbook operators | All-vertical brands |
who it's for
Built for these operators.
requirements
Eligibility & docs.
step by step
From zero to licence.
- Company & capitalIncorporate the Cyprus company and put the €500,000 share capital and €550,000 guarantee in place.4–6 weeks
- Application buildPrepare the Class B application, policies and platform documentation to NBA standards.2–4 weeks
- NBA reviewThe National Betting Authority assesses the application and conducts due diligence.Weeks–months
- Licence & launchOn approval the Class B licence issues and betting operations can begin.On approval
Not sure Cyprus is the right fit?
Tell us your product and target markets — we'll confirm whether Cyprus or another jurisdiction gets you live fastest, at the lowest all-in cost.
pricing
Transparent packages.
- Cyprus company incorporation
- Full Class B application package
- AML/KYC & responsible-gaming policies
- Regulator liaison through review
- Everything in Licence
- Share-capital & bank-guarantee arrangement
- Compliance build
- Platform documentation support
- Everything in Turnkey
- Banking & PSP introductions
- Corporate accounts
- Tax structuring around the licence
The heavy items are the €500,000 paid-up share capital and the €550,000 bank guarantee, not the licence fee. Add the 13% net-revenue levy (10% betting tax + 3% contribution) and 12.5% corporate tax. Cyprus only makes sense for serious, well-capitalised sportsbook operators — we'll model it honestly.
obligations
Compliance duties.
technical standards
Technology & IT.
after launch
We stay on after you're live.
market access
Reach & restrictions.
A Cyprus Class B licence authorises online betting from an EU base, but you still respect each market's rules and geo-block those you are not separately licensed in, plus sanctioned and FATF-listed territories.
Operators must use GEO-IP blocking for restricted countries and any FATF-blacklisted nation. Non-compliance can lead to licence suspension or revocation.
FAQ
What does a Cyprus gambling licence cover?
Cyprus licenses betting only. A Class B licence from the National Betting Authority covers online (electronic) betting; Class A is land-based. Online casino games are not licensable in Cyprus — so this is a sportsbook route, not an all-verticals licence.
How much does it cost?
The Class B licence fee is €30,000 for one year or €45,000 for two. The real cost, though, is the €500,000 minimum paid-up share capital and a €550,000 bank guarantee from an NBA-approved Cyprus institution. Add a 13% net-revenue levy and 12.5% corporate tax.
What tax will I pay?
A combined 13% of net revenue (10% betting tax to the Consolidated Fund plus a 3% contribution to the Authority), on top of 12.5% corporate tax on profits.
Can I run an online casino under a Cyprus licence?
No. Cyprus does not licence online casino games — only betting. If your product is casino-led, we'll point you to Malta (all verticals) or an offshore option like Anjouan or Curaçao.
Is Cyprus worth it?
For a serious, well-capitalised sportsbook operator who wants EU credibility, yes. For casino products or lean startups, the capital, guarantee and levy make it the wrong choice — we'll tell you honestly and recommend the right jurisdiction.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team · Last updated July 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
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