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21.10.2026
BUSINESS NEWS
15:27

EAS: Positive outlook for the betting market in the second quarter of 2026

Upturn in land-based and online betting, with an 11% increase in total gross revenue
ALPHANEWSLIVE


The betting market in Cyprus maintained its steady growth momentum in the second quarter of 2026, with key financial indicators showing significant growth compared to the same period last year. Both land-based and online betting showed an upward trend, while the increase in betting revenue was particularly significant.

According to the financial results announced by the National Betting Authority for the period April–June 2026, gross revenue from Class A (land-based betting) and Class B (online betting) operators totaled €329,816,209, representing an 11% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025 (€298,086,561).

Of the total gross revenue, €77,506,547 came from Class A bookmakers and €252,309,661 from Class B bookmakers. Class A gross revenue increased by 5% compared to the second quarter of 2025 and by 2% compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Similarly, Class B continued its strong upward trend, recording a 13% increase compared to the second quarter of 2025 and a 19% increase compared to the second quarter of 2024.

Winnings for Class A and B players totaled €282,933,919, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The majority of the winnings, amounting to €222,098,789, went to Class B players.

Class A and B betting payouts recorded a particularly significant increase, totaling €46,882,290, marking a 24% increase compared to the second quarter of 2025 (€37,945,787). Specifically, Class A betting revenue totaled €16,671,417, representing an 18% increase, while Class B revenue reached €30,210,872, marking a 27% increase compared to the same period last year.

The number of licensed Class A establishments remained essentially stable compared to the second quarter of 2025, reaching 461 establishments island-wide. Of these, 162 operate in Nicosia, 134 in Limassol, 83 in Larnaca, 46 in Paphos, and 36 in Famagusta. At the same time, the number of employees at licensed establishments reached 1,584, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, license cancellations and revocations increased by 167% compared to the second quarter of 2025.

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

Combating illegal betting activity by blocking unlicensed websites remains a key focus of the National Betting Authority’s efforts. During the second quarter of 2026, the blocklist totaled 22,660 websites, with 245 new illegal websites added to it during the period under review. The total number of websites on the blocklist increased by 5% compared to the same period in 2025. Interested parties can find detailed financial results and statistics on the National Betting Authority’s website at www.nba.gov.cy

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