Ayios Dhometios - Betting in Ayios Dhometios

Betting in Ayios Dhometios

Horseracing was revived in Cyprus, Ayios Dhometios from the end of the 19th century. However, the tradition of the sport in this country, as evidenced by archaeological findings existing in the Cyprus Museum, is lost in the depth of the Hellenistic period, where we come across horseracing descriptions by Homer and other ancient authors. Horseracing in those days was actually a "sport of kings" who participated in them. When Kings of ancient Salamis of Cyprus died, their horses were buried with them. Horse racing is for the first time entered in the Olympic Games in the 7th century b.c. Ayios Dhometios is dubbed by many as Cyprus betting capital. The presence of the islands Horse Race Track in the municipality brings hefty revenue to the town but also attracts thousands of horse enthusiasts and gamblers during the races. Due to the presence of the Race Track, tens of betting parlours exist around the town.