Cyprus Betting Industry Sees 7% Revenue Growth In Q3 2025 Amid Digital Surge

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 14, 2026

Robust Market Expansion In Cyprus

The Cyprus betting market continued its upward trajectory in the third quarter of 2025, with aggregate gross revenue from Class A and Class B operators climbing 7% year-on-year to €312.5 million, according to figures released by the National Betting Authority (NBA). This represents a significant 20% increase from the corresponding period in 2023, underscoring robust momentum within the sector.

Online Betting Dominates

During the July to September quarter, online betting remained the primary driver of sector activity. The digital transition reflects broader industry trends, where enhanced technological platforms and a shift in consumer behavior continue to redefine the competitive landscape.

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Detailed Revenue Breakdown

Within the market, Class B operators led revenue generation with €235.7 million, while traditional Class A land-based establishments contributed €76.8 million. Notably, although gross revenue for Class A operators slightly dipped 1% compared to Q3 2024, it still posted a 7% improvement over two years. In contrast, Class B revenue surged 10% year-on-year, marking a 25% increase from the same period in 2023.

Player Payouts And Earnings

Player payouts collectively reached €277.5 million, a 9% increase over the previous year and a 20% rise over 2023, with online bettors receiving the lion’s share of €214.3 million. Despite this growth, overall betting earnings—defined as the net difference between pay-ins and pay-outs—declined by 5% to €35 million. This downward trend was reflected across both segments, with Class A earnings falling by 1% to €13.6 million and Class B earnings decreasing by 8% to €21.4 million.

Market Dynamics And Operational Adjustments

The number of licensed Class A betting premises experienced a slight contraction, dropping 2% year-on-year to 465 outlets. The distribution of these premises included 165 in Nicosia, 133 in Limassol, 83 in Larnaca, 48 in Paphos, and 36 in Famagusta, accompanied by a parallel 2% reduction in employment figures among betting shop staff, which now stands at 1,495.

Enhanced Regulatory Compliance

The NBA also reported improvements in regulatory compliance. Licence cancellations and withdrawals fell by 28% compared to Q3 2024, demonstrating a tightening of oversight. Simultaneously, efforts to curtail unlicensed activities intensified, with the list of blocked unlicensed betting websites expanding to 21,825 by the end of September – including 192 new additions during the quarter, a 5% annual increase.

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Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2026

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

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Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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