Paphos People

Hi

It seems that Cyprus just got a new law, banning all online poker and casino-games + Betfair exchange.
I am a little in doubt though, if this also means in the private of your own home - or it is aimed only at the online casinos that exists everywhere.

Does anybody know anything more to this ?

One of the reasons is a quote on one of the politicians that went:

"House Finance Committee chairman Nicolas Papadopoulos however said the law would not prevent people from gambling at home if they wished"
But I haven't been capable of getting this verified anywhere.

If it makes a difference, I am only interested in online poker-part, not the gambling/casino-games.

Best regards

Jacob Albers

This is the only reference I've come across in the last week:

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/online-casin ... s/20120707

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Regards
Shell

Am not a gambling man, but surely if you used a vpn, no-one would know whether you were gambling or not?

While I agree with this, I'm not sure my life in Cyprus is worth 5 years in jail and/or a 170.000 euro fine, which I heard is the fine so far.
So since online poker is a part of my income, I might have to just move instead if this turns out the way it seems so far.



/Albers

All depends on the licence on the website you're using to play online and if you're playing for real, when you make a deposit - most funding software will pick on VPN's.

Also, for cashing out - if you're playing in a country that their laws say you cannot gamble legally, well you're funds could very well be up the swanny.

Some online gaming sites allow gambling from Cyprus so you should always check the T&C's. I know it's not something everyone wants to take the time reading but where money or legalities are concerned, it's best to check.

This link shows 84 Cyprus sites that support English and also accept play from Cyprus. http://online.casinocity.com/jurisdictions/cyprus/all/

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Regards
Shell

Albers
This being Cyprus you stand less than 0.01% of any enforcement agency even looking and equal % of being caught.

Then if it all goes pear shaped you might expect a €50 fine and told not to get caught again - this is Cyprus

How strange and yet they have so many betting shops over here !!

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

I used to play 0n line Poker through William Hill when I first came over 8 years ago but after about 3 years I received notification from them that I was unable to play anymore as it was illegal in Cyprus!!!!
Yvonne

Why don't you put a question in the legal section for Haris?

Lesley

Relax folks. The ban applies to all the online betting casinos that have sprouted up on every street corner. It does not apply to individuals who bet online in the privacy of their own home. Neither does it apply to "traditional" betting shops.

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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein

You cannot play the UK lottery on line from Cyprus for the same reason.

Maggi

Yeah, I know and how stupid is that..............

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Molly

Treat others as you want to be treated

Right. But I believe that is because William hill is / was on the ipoker network, which was based in Malta at one point at least. There was some very strange laws that prohibited cyprus and malta for poker-licenses based on Malta.

Not at all sure though - just something I heard

Was this for me ? I am not sure what "Haris" is to be honest ?

Hi

Do you have any further legal information on this ?
I did understand the aim was for the online casinos, but it's my impression the law has been made up in such a way that privates are also illegal.

Jacob

Just been talking to a Cypriot mate and he tells me the law cannot touch any gambling related to sporting events ie.poker is now recognised as a sport the only casinos that have been legally shut down have been caught using roullette etc...

Hi

I play quite a lot online poker as part-professional.
I am wondering if you can help me with information on the new law on online gambling that has been passed in last week.

I am not sure if it also is illegal to play online poker from my own home, since Papadopolous has said that anyone who wanted to do this, could just do so.

So basically ... am I a criminel if I play online poker in my own home on for example pokerstars.com.


Best regards

Jacob

On the PokerStars website, it's this you need to take note of:
1.2. The Software is licensed to you by PokerStars for your private personal use. Please note that the Software is not for use by (i) individuals under 18 years of age, (ii) individuals under the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction and (iii) individuals connecting to the Site from jurisdictions from which it is illegal to do so. PokerStars is not able to verify the legality of the Service in each jurisdiction and it is the User's responsibility to ensure that their use of the Service is lawful.

So basically, they are covering their backsides by putting the onus on the player to check if they can play online in their country.

Malta does have strict licensing regulations (usually they restrict Cyprus, Turkey and Israel as well of course, USA) so do some of the other licensed rooms so unfortunately, you must always check the small print...

If in doubt, contact them and ask them what their license allows.

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Regards
Shell

Haris is the legal advisor on this forum. I suggest you send him a PM or wait, as he will probably see this and answer anyway.

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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein