Cypriote Casino and Card Room Gaming

There are many casinos in the Turkish-controlled northern section of the island. The casino industry of Cyprus is closely tied to its resort business.

The government of Greek Cyprus does not prohibit its citizens from gambling at casinos on the Turkish side of the island. In March 2016, the House Plenum approved regulations for the first casino on the Greek southern side of the island. As of press time, the government was accepting bids for the property, which will be required to have at least 100 tables and 1,000 machines. The license will be awarded for at least a 30-year period and will include a 15-year exclusivity agreement for the successful bidder.

In March 2009, the Turkish Cypriot government passed a new law that raised licensing fees for casinos and imposed tighter regulatory controls to combat money laundering.