The positive trend in the betting market in Cyprus continued during the first quarter of 2026, with key financial indicators showing significant growth, confirming the sector’s steady growth momentum.

According to the financial results announced by the National Betting Authority for the period January–March 2026, gross revenue from Class A (land-based betting) and Class B (online betting) operators totaled €360,070,562, representing a 12% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025 (€320,893,499).

Of the total gross revenue, €87,084,683 came from Class A bookmakers and €272,985,879 from Class B bookmakers. Class A gross revenue showed a marginal decrease of 1% compared to the first quarter of 2025, yet remained 3% higher than in the corresponding period of 2024. In contrast, Class B continued its strong upward trend, recording a 17% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025 and a 15% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024.

Winnings for Class A and Class B players totaled €314,190,402, representing a 12% increase compared to the same period last year. The majority of the winnings, amounting to €243,305,293, were paid out to Class B players.

Class A and B betting payouts totaled €45,880,160, marking an 11% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025 (€41,490,598). Specifically, Class A payouts totaled €16,199,573, representing a 4% decrease, while Class B revenue amounted to €29,680,587, recording a significant 21% increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

The number of licensed Class A establishments increased by 1%, reaching 459 island-wide. Of these, 164 operate in Nicosia, 132 in Limassol, 81 in Larnaca, 46 in Paphos, and 36 in Famagusta. At the same time, the number of employees at licensed establishments reached 1,529, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2025.Furthermore, license cancellations and revocations increased by 125% compared to the first quarter of the previous year.

The number of licensed bookmakers remained unchanged, with 6 Class A bookmakers and 13 Class B bookmakers.

Efforts to combat illegal betting activity by blocking unlicensed websites also continued with undiminished intensity. During the first quarter of 2026, the blocklist included 22,415 websites, with 406 new illegal websites added to it, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.

Interested parties can find detailed financial results and statistics on the National Betting Authority’s website at www.nba.gov.cy