Class B online betting licence regulated by the NBA
Cyprus Gaming Licence
Cyprus licenses online betting (Class B) through the National Betting Authority, but not online casino. The licence buys real EU credibility, but demands €500,000 capital, a €550,000 bank guarantee and a 13% revenue levy. It suits serious sportsbook operators. Vantegris tells you honestly if it fits.
What is the Cyprus gaming licence?
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-only route.
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 a commercial bank in Cyprus or another EU state, or a cooperative bank, and a combined levy of 13% of net revenue (10% betting tax plus a 3% contribution), on top of corporate tax at 15% (raised from 12.5% on 1 January 2026). Licences run for one or two years. We'll tell you whether Cyprus fits your product, and point you elsewhere if your model is casino-led.
Why operators pick Cyprus
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 15% corporate tax (from January 2026) 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, because the Cyprus licence does not cover online casino.
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 + 15% corp | 15%/10% on MT players from 1 Oct 2026; 5% before |
| 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 the Cyprus gaming licence suits
Cyprus gaming licence requirements
How to get a Cyprus gaming licence
- Company & capital Incorporate the Cyprus company and put the €500,000 share capital and €550,000 guarantee in place. 4–6 weeks
- Application build Prepare the Class B application, policies and platform documentation to NBA standards. 2–4 weeks
- NBA review The National Betting Authority assesses the application and conducts due diligence. Weeks–months
- Licence & launch On 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.
How much does a Cyprus gaming licence cost?
- 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 15% corporate tax. Cyprus only makes sense for serious, well-capitalised sportsbook operators — we'll model it.
Compliance obligations in Cyprus
Technical & IT standards in Cyprus
After you go live in Cyprus
Which markets a Cyprus licence reaches
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.
Cyprus gaming licence 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-only route.
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 a commercial bank in Cyprus or another EU state, or a cooperative bank. Add a 13% net-revenue levy and 15% 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 corporate tax on profits at 15% (the rate from 1 January 2026, up from 12.5%).
Can I run an online casino under a Cyprus licence?
No. Cyprus does not license 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 and recommend the right jurisdiction.
Reviewed by the Vantegris licensing team. Last updated September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time.
Start your Cyprus file.
Tell us your product and target markets and we will map the licence route. The consultation is free and confidential, and most enquiries get a reply within 24 hours.