What types of poker games are available at Merit Crystal Cove?

The casino offers No Limit Hold’em (NLHE) and Pot Limit Omaha (PLO) cash games, with stakes starting at $5/$10 . High-stakes tables up to $25/$50 are also available.

Does Merit Crystal Cove host poker tournaments?

Yes, the casino is known for hosting the Merit Middle East Tour (MMET) , with tournaments featuring prize pools of up to $200,000 and buy-ins ranging from $330 to $10,000 .

Can spectators watch poker games at Merit Crystal Cove?

Yes, spectators are welcome to observe poker games in the casino, which offers a comfortable setting for watching high-stakes poker action.

How do I access the venue from the airport?

The resort is approximately 50 km from ErcanAirport (ECN) and 90 km from Larnaca Airport (LCA). The most common transport methods are taxis or private transfers, which take about 50 to 70 minutes from Ercan depending on traffic.

Where is the poker room located within the building?

The dedicated poker room is situated on the lower ground floor of the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel. While massive tournament series like the EPT sometimes take place at the neighboring Merit Royal, all daily cash games and weekly tournaments are managed and held at the Crystal Cove.

Experience Luxury at Merit Crystal Cove Hotel, Casino & Spa

Callum JuryAuthor

Originally from the UK’s Lake District, Callum Jury has carved out a niche as a premier live reporter across the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, he has delivered high-level coverage for major brands like the APT, PokerStars, and the WSOP, blending a background in business with a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. As a key member of the Somuchpoker team, Callum uses his sharp eye for photography and media to bridge the gap between technical hand histories and the raw human drama of a high-stakes deep run.

Updated: 2026.02.19

Merit Crystal Cove Hotel, Casino & Spa is a five-star, all-inclusive luxury resort in Northern Cyprus that has served as the primary home for Merit Poker since 2008. Situated on the scenic Zephyros Cove in Kyrenia, the property is a globally recognized poker destination, known for its “Ultra All-Inclusive” service that provides free high-quality buffet dining and beverages for players at the tables.

Why Merit Crystal Cove?

Elite Tournament Hub: The venue organizes major tournament series every five to six weeks, with guaranteed prize pools often ranging from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
High-Stakes Heritage: It has hosted premier world tours including the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) , World Poker Tour (WPT), and Triton Super High Roller Series.
Player-Centric Amenities: The dedicated poker room features 30 tables and offers unique “Ultra All-Inclusive” perks, including complimentary buffet and drink services for active players throughout the year.

♠️
GAMES
NLHE & PLO

💰
CASH STAKES
$2/$5 to $25/$50+

✈️
TRANSFER
Free Player Shuttle

The Merit Poker Experience

The poker action at Merit Crystal Cove is 24/7 during tournament series, with cash game tables running continuously in the designated Cash Game Zone. Standard cash games open daily at 8 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends, with stakes ranging from $2/$5 No-Limit Hold’em up to the highest stakes requested by players.

During flagship festivals—such as the themed Western, Gatsby, or Gangster series—the room expands its capacity and attracts 500 to 700 players from across the Middle East and Europe. The venue is particularly noted for its high-caliber staff and the use of modern tracking systems, providing a competitive yet hospitable environment for high-rollers and international grinders.

Venue Logistics

📍 Location: Located in Alsancak, Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. It is approximately a 1-hour drive from Ercan Airport (ECN) and 1 hour 25 minutes from Larnaca Airport.

🏨 Accommodations: A 5-star beachfront resort featuring multiple swimming pools, a luxury spa with a Turkish bath, and rooms with Mediterranean views.

📝 Entry & Requirements: Valid photo identification is required for casino entry and membership registration. The poker room enforces a strict professional environment to cater to an international player base.

♠️ Merit Poker Official Updates

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