Online gambling in Greece
Background
The online gambling landscape in Greece has changed significantly over the past decade.
Initially Greece’s regulated online gambling market consisted of state controlled monopoly operators. OPAP was the monopoly operator for most forms of gambling, including sports betting, lottery games, and instant win games. Hellenic Horse Racing Company (ODIE) had exclusive rights for pari-mutuel horse racing betting.
When a Greek court ordered UK online sports betting firm Stanleybet to cease its operations in Greece in February 2009 it lead to the European Commission issuing a “reasoned opinion” that Greece’s gambling laws were in breach of EU freedom of services provisions. This protectionist approach was viewed by many foreign iGaming operators as challengeable under EU law making them comfortable offering their services to Greek players.
The Greek government took steps toward a more open and regulated online gambling market beginning with the passing of Law 4002/2011. The basic timeline to present regulations consisted of:
- 2011: Law 4002/2011 enacted, setting the foundation for regulation of online gambling in Greece.
- 2012 – 2020: Transitional provisions allowing some operators to offer services temporarily while waiting a full regulatory framework.
- 2020: Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) introduced a comprehensive licensing regime to bring the market in line with EU standards and generate revenue from the sector.
- 2021: Formal licenses under the updated regime were issued with first round recipients including bet365, Bwin and Stoiximan/Betano
Current Regulations
The current regulatory framework for online gambling in Greece is governed by Law 4002/2011, as amended, and overseen by the HGC. Key aspects of the current regulations include:
- Licensing: Two types of licenses are available: one for online sports betting and another for other online games of chance including casino games (live dealer included) and poker. Licenses are issued for a period of seven years.
- Player Protection: Operators must implement strict player protection measures, including self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and tools for responsible gambling. There are also restrictions on advertising, particularly to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable individuals.
- Taxation: Online gambling operators are subject to a 35% gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax. Players’ winnings are also taxed progressively based on the amount won.
- Technical and Compliance Standards: Operators must adhere to rigorous technical standards to ensure the integrity and fairness of games. Regular audits and compliance checks are conducted by the HGC to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Standard EU wide AML and customer due diligence (KYC checks) and monitoring is required.
- Blocking unlicensed operators: HGC maintains a blacklist of unlicensed online gambling websites and collaborates with:
– ISPs to block these websites in Greece, and
– financial institutions and payment service providers to block transactions with Greek residents.
Major Operators
Greek Roulette @ bet365
Major licensed operators in Greece’s overhauled iGaming market include:
- Bet365: A major international operator offering sports betting, casino games, and poker. Bet365 is well-established in the Greek market.
- Stoiximan/Betano: A leading Greek operator providing a wide range of online gambling services, including sports betting, casino games, and live betting.
- OPAP: Greece’s former state monopoly on gambling, OPAP has expanded its offerings to include online sports betting and casino games under the new regulatory framework.
- Bwin: Part of the Entain group, Bwin offers a comprehensive range of online gambling products, including sports betting, casino games, and poker.
- Betsson: Offers a comprehensive suite of online gambling products, including casino games, sports betting, and poker
Best live casinos for Greek players
Greek players have access to established live casino operators who are now licensed by the HGC. Just follow the links to their ‘.gr’ licensed website.
Live games include those tailored to Greek players (tables with Greek dealers etc).
