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

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.

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.