Under the Lotteries Law (Chapter 74 of the Statute Laws of Cyprus), all lotteries are illegal unless explicitly permitted by law, which defines lotteries as schemes distributing prizes on a chance-dependent draw through the sale of lottery tickets, and vests the organisation in the Director of the Government Lottery (2).
The Cyprus Government Lottery is administered by the Ministry of Finance, and tickets can only be purchased through authorised agents licensed by the Department of the Government Lottery, ensuring compliance and consumer protection (1).
"Lotteries are schemes for distributing prizes on a draw or by any other means that depend on chance, through the sale and distribution of lottery tickets evidencing the entitlement of their holders to the odds of winning the lottery. Permitted lotteries include the Cypriot government lottery promoted and carried out by the Director of the Cypriot Government Lottery." (2)
Engaging in lottery activities outside these parameters, including purchasing tickets from unauthorised sellers or unlicensed private lotteries, is strictly prohibited and subject to fines or criminal penalties under the Lotteries Law and related regulations (1)(2). Residents and visitors should purchase tickets only through recognised channels to remain within the law.
Source:
https://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/lottery/statelottery.nsf/index_en/index_en?OpenDocument
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=01ef001d-ff54-4232-8baf-10c0d88561fa
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
