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Cyprus Betting Industry: Key Growth Trends And Insights For Q3 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
February 6, 2025

The Cypriot betting sector has shown consistent growth across both land-based and online platforms, continuing its positive trajectory through Q3 2024. The National Betting Authority (NBA) reported a 13% increase in revenue year-on-year, reflecting a robust performance despite changing dynamics in the market.

Revenue Breakdown: Strong Gains In Both Sectors

For the third quarter of 2024, total betting revenue reached €292 million, with €214.6 million generated by online operators (Class B), and €77.3 million coming from land-based operators (Class A). Online betting continues to dominate, with Class B showing a 14% growth compared to Q3 2023, and a notable 24% increase since Q3 2022.

  • Class A Operators: €77.3 million (+9% YoY)
  • Class B Operators: €214.6 million (+14% YoY)

Player Winnings: A Significant Increase

Player winnings across both categories rose to €255 million, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, the majority of this total (€191.3 million) came from online players, showing continued dominance in digital betting.

  • Total Player Winnings: €255.2 million (+10% YoY)
  • Class A Winnings: €63.8 million
  • Class B Winnings: €191.3 million

Betting Earnings: Online Surge

Betting earnings showed an impressive increase across both land-based and online operators, with a combined total of €36.8 million. The most significant growth was observed in online betting (Class B), which saw a 48% rise year-on-year, compared to the 16% growth of land-based operators (Class A).

  • Total Betting Earnings: €36.8 million (+34% YoY)
  • Class A Earnings: €13.5 million (+16% YoY)
  • Class B Earnings: €23.3 million (+48% YoY)

Trends In Licensed Establishments And Employment

While the number of licensed land-based establishments fell slightly by 3% to 475, the sector remains widespread across Cyprus. The employee count in licensed establishments grew by 3%, reaching 1,518 individuals.

  • Licensed Locations: 475 (-3% YoY)
  • Employees in Betting Establishments: 1,518 (+3% YoY)

Illegal Betting And Regulatory Actions

The NBA’s commitment to fighting illegal betting continued in Q3 2024, with a 1% increase in the number of blocked illegal websites, bringing the total to over 20,700 sites. This effort reflects growing concerns over the regulation of online gambling in the region.

  • New Illegal Betting Sites Blocked: 259 sites (+1% from Q2 2024)
  • Total Blocked Sites: 20,733

The betting industry in Cyprus is experiencing sustained growth, driven primarily by online operators. The consistent increase in both revenue and player activity, along with the growing efforts to combat illegal betting, indicates that Cyprus is likely to maintain its upward momentum in the coming quarters.

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
August 15, 2025

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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