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Cyprus Poker 2026: Live Resorts, Merit Poker & Online Laws

Derick Elomina
Derick ElominaLead Content Writer & Interview Specialist

Cyprus has solidified its position as a global poker powerhouse in 2026, offering a unique "East meets West" gaming environment. While the Republic of Cyprus (South) has introduced the massive City of Dreams Mediterranean, the Northern region remains the world's most concentrated high-stakes tournament hub. The scene is defined by ultra-luxury Integrated Resorts and a shifting regulatory landscape that is beginning to explore the expansion of online gaming.

Cyprus: The Dual-Regulated Powerhouse

  • The Regulatory Pillar: In the Republic of Cyprus (South), the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission (CGC) oversees the Integrated Resort model. In 2026, authorities are evaluating the extension of exclusivity rights to include online casino verticals, potentially ending the long-standing ban on domestic online poker.

  • The Merit Monopoly: North Cyprus remains the "Monte Carlo of the Mediterranean." Operating under a separate legal framework, venues like Merit Royal Diamond host world-renowned series (WSOP, Triton, EAPT) that operate with a level of hospitality and scale that few global destinations can match.

  • Evolution of Online Laws: As of early 2026, online sports betting is legal via the National Betting Authority (NBA), but online poker remains in a "grey zone." While major sites like PokerStars are restricted, the government is currently studying international licensing models from Malta and Gibraltar to formalize a regulated digital poker market.


PRIMARY HUB
Kyrenia / Limassol

KEY ARENA
Merit Royal Diamond

STATUS
Regulated IR Hub

Cyprus’s Elite Venue Network

The infrastructure for poker in Cyprus is split between the "Integrated Resort" luxury of the South and the high-volume tournament festivals of the North:

Merit Royal Diamond (Kyrenia): The undisputed king of Mediterranean poker. In 2026, it is the home of the WSOP Super Circuit Cyprus and the EA Poker Tour. Merit is famous for its "All-Inclusive" poker experience, where tournament players enjoy complimentary five-star dining and beverages while competing in the region's largest prize pools.

City of Dreams Mediterranean (Limassol): Europe’s largest Integrated Resort. While it focuses heavily on high-end VIP table games and baccarat, its dedicated poker room offers the most consistent cash game action in the Republic, catering to an international crowd of business travelers and high-limit tourists.

2026 Key Dates & Events

WPT Prime Cyprus Championship (Feb 25 – March 9, 2026): Hosted at Chamada Prestige, this stop has become a staple for mid-stakes grinders looking for world-class value.

EA Poker Tour (EAPT) Cyprus (March 8 – 15, 2026): A high-volume festival at Merit Royal Diamond featuring a $1.5M Total GTD and the EAPT Main Event.

WSOP Super Circuit Cyprus (April 25 – May 11, 2026): The landmark event of the season at Merit Royal Diamond. In 2026, it features 18 WSOP Circuit Rings and a massive $5M GTD across the series.

Online Poker in Cyprus

Cyprus: 2026 Online Poker Legislation

The legal status of online poker in the Republic remains a point of intense regulatory focus:

  • The Regulatory Framework: Under the Betting Law 2019, the National Betting Authority (NBA) manages all remote gaming. As of March 2026, the NBA issues Class B licenses exclusively for online sports betting.

  • The Poker Restriction: Officially, online poker and online casino games are prohibited in the Republic. The NBA maintains a weekly updated Blocking List of over 10,000 domains that offer illegal services (poker, exchange betting, etc.).

  • The 2026 Shift: While a draft bill has been pending at the Ministry of Finance to introduce new products, the government has recently clarified that there are no immediate plans to legalize online casino games. However, major operators like Bet365 and Stoiximan operate legally for sports, while the "Mind Sports" debate continues to pressure a reclassification of poker.

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Live Poker in Cyprus

Cyprus: 2026 Live Poker Legislation

Live poker operates under a "monopoly vs. open market" dynamic across the island's divide:

  • The Republic (South): The Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission (CGC) oversees the sector under the Casino Operations and Control Law. Legislation grants an exclusive license to Melco Resorts to operate the City of Dreams Mediterranean and its satellite "C2" locations. Live poker (Hold'em/PLO) is strictly legal and protected within these specific licensed premises.

  • The North: Operates under a separate local framework where individual hotel-casinos are licensed. This has created a high-density "Poker Haven" in Kyrenia, where international series like the WSOP and Triton operate legally within the North's specific gaming jurisdiction.

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Venues in Cyprus

Festivals at Cyprus

About the Editor

Derick Elomina

Derick Elomina is Somuchpoker's Lead Content Writer and Interview Specialist, reporting live from WSOP bracelet events and Asia Pacific poker festivals such as TMT, APT, RDPT and APL Jeju, alongside player features and interviews for the site's Stories section. He discovered poker at 14 playing home games with friends, and by 21 he had entered the industry as a field reporter, starting as a hand reporter before building his current role on the tournament floor.

Related News

Cyprus
Cyprus [CYP]Cyprus (CYP)
CapitalNicosia
Population847,000
CurrencyEuro [EUR] €
TimezoneUTC+02:00

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Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to play poker in Cyprus in 2026?

Yes. Live poker is legal in licensed casinos. In the South, it is regulated by the CGC at City of Dreams. In the North, it is legal within licensed hotel-casinos like Merit and Chamada.

Can I play online poker legally in Cyprus?

Online sports betting is legal, but online casino games (including poker) remain restricted as of early 2026. However, the government is currently reviewing new legislation to license online casinos.

What are the taxes on poker winnings in Cyprus?

In the Republic of Cyprus, casino winnings are generally not taxed at the source for players. In North Cyprus, tournament winnings are typically paid out net of a small administrative/staff fee, with no additional government tax for foreigners.

How do I travel between North and South Cyprus for poker?

Most international travelers fly into Larnaca (LCA) in the South and take a taxi across the border to Kyrenia (North). Crossing is generally seamless for EU, US, and UK passport holders at designated checkpoints like Metehan.

Which venue has the best cash games?

For high-stakes action ($10/$25+), Merit Royal Diamond is the global destination during festivals. For consistent daily games ($2/$5 and $5/$10), City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol is the primary hub.