Northern Cyprus Casinos

A law was passed in North Cyprus back in 1975 to allow for the licensing of casinos and betting premises, but it wasn’t really until the late 1990’s that Northern Cyprus casinos began to spring up all over the island and it’s only in the past couple of years that betting shops have been added to the list of locations where tourists and visitors to the island can legally gamble.

In terms of those who use the casinos in North Cyprus, the majority of attendees appear to herald from the Turkish mainland where in 1997 the Islamic Welfare Party opposed gambling - thus forcing those who wish to partake to travel elsewhere. Other groups of people who enjoy the Northern Cyprus casinos are Greek Cypriots, Israeli visitors and general European visitors holidaying in Northern Cyprus and looking for a new and exciting pastime.

The main gaming and gambling activities enjoyed at the likes of the Liman, Denizkizi, Jasmine Court, Oscars, Dome and Rocks casino are American and French roulette, Las Vegas craps and Black Jack. Poker, chemin-de-fer, punto banco, baccarat and keno are also played and some casinos are allowed to offer games such as chug-a-lug, wheel of fortune, rummy and backgammon on which participants can bet. Betting on sports events such as football matches as well as horse and dog racing is also allowed in the casinos but most people prefer to go to the newly established specialist betting shops which are on every major street corner nowadays.

While serious gamblers have been adding significantly to the economy of Northern Cyprus and the fortunes of some of the most successful casino operators, even expatriates living in North Cyprus enjoy a few rounds at the casino! One of the main attractions for those with just a few pounds is their pocket is that the whole occasion is one of excitement, you can enjoy other’s successes and losses at the casino without having to get too financially involved – oh and free alcoholic drinks and food are often on offer too!

Some people frown upon the fact that Northern Cyprus casinos even exist believing that they should be banned on moral and religious grounds, others wholeheartedly embrace the fact that casinos are available for their gambling pleasure. Whichever side of the fence you’re on one thing’s for sure, the casinos in North Cyprus are so successful that more are being built annually and drawing increasing numbers of weekend visitors who are boosting the economic fortunes of the island.