Cyprus Market Report
In 2024 TRNC saw 1.8 million international tourists – an 18.6
per cent increase on 2023. Visitors from Turkey are the biggest number, although tourists from Norway, Belgium, Germany, and the UK are increasing. Te primary way into Northern Cyprus is via Ercan International Airport or crossing an overland border via Nicosia. International flights into Ercan are banned (except via Turkey) whilst Turkish passport holders must fly into Ercan as they could be refused entry into the Republic of Cyprus. Many visitors choose to fly into Larnaca, then drive an hour
to the border and another half an hour to the coast, where many of the casinos are located. At the end of 2024, there were 34 registered and active casinos in Northern Cyprus. Te TRNC Casino Association says the industry brings $800m to the economy in direct and indirect contributions, and 85 per cent of casino revenues come from international visitors. A large number of casinos are located along the coast of
Kyrenia and in Famagusta. Te Turkish side of Nicosia has about six casinos, mostly for the locals. Te region has become a popular choice for high rollers from Europe and the Middle East who prefer the Mediterranean locations compared to Las Vegas or Macau. Large-scale casino resorts include the Merit Royal Hotel and Casino and the Cratos Premium Hotel and Casino. Regulation of the rest of the gambling market in the TRNC is
minimal. Although retail sports betting locations must hold a ‘sweepstake’ licence, many ‘grey area’ betting shops are in op- eration, including satellite branches that run as VIP rooms in hotels. It is estimated that there are about 50 licensed betting shops and 70 unlicensed. Tere is no specific law to regulate online gambling, and
offshore platforms are operated in large numbers in the market. As the UN considers the Turkish occupation illegal, the region is exempt from EU law, which includes anti-money laundering directives. Te region operates under its own framework, influenced by Turkey.
GAMING LAW AMENDMENTS Casino gambling in the TRNC is governed by the Games of Chance Law 2009. In early June 2025, amendments were in- troduced, and the number of casinos is now expected to double. Turkey banned casinos in the 1990s, and consequently, many
operations moved to the TRNC to continue their business. Tere are 32 casinos in the region. Te new law requires any future project and applications to
have a minimum of 750 beds (previously 500), but this doesn’t apply to any projects that have already been approved by the Tourism Planning Department.
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