Gambling in Greece is regulated by the Hellenic Gaming Commission, which oversees all legal gaming activities.
The main legislative frameworks are Law 4002/2011 and its amendments, with a significant overhaul in 2019.
Online gambling licenses are split into Type 1 (online betting) and Type 2 (other online games of chance).
Licenses for online gambling are valid for 7 years and require a €3 million fee for each license type.
Operators must comply with strict technical, financial, and anti-money laundering requirements.
Betting on financial instruments in organized Greek markets is strictly prohibited.
Unlicensed operators face strict enforcement, including mandatory cessation of business if not licensed.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The legal framework governing gambling in Greece is established through a set of key legislative acts and regulations that define the lawful operation of both land-based and online gambling activities. The principal laws currently in force are:
Law 4002/2011: This foundational statute introduced the modern regulatory framework for games of chance in Greece, covering both land-based and online gambling. It sets out the general principles, definitions, and the scope of permitted gambling activities.
Law 4635/2019: This law amended and updated the provisions of Law 4002/2011, particularly with respect to online gambling. It established the current licensing regime for online betting and other online games of chance, clarifying the legal status of digital gambling and setting the groundwork for a regulated online market.
Ministerial Decisions and Regulatory Acts: The legislative framework is further detailed and implemented through a series of ministerial decisions and regulatory acts, particularly those issued by the Minister of Finance and the Hellenic Gaming Commission. These acts specify technical standards, operational requirements, and compliance obligations for gambling operators.
Collectively, these laws and regulations form the core legal structure for the regulation, supervision, and control of gambling activities in Greece.
Regulatory Authority
Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in Greece are entrusted to a central regulatory body:
Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC): The HGC is the primary regulatory authority responsible for supervising, licensing, and monitoring all gambling activities within Greece, including both land-based and online sectors.
The HGC is empowered to issue regulations, grant and revoke licenses, enforce compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, and impose sanctions for violations.
It also plays a key role in developing policy, ensuring player protection, and maintaining the integrity and transparency of the Greek gambling market.
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Greece
Type 1 License: Online Betting
Covers online betting on real events, fantasy sports, virtual events based on RNG, and other bettable events.
Issued for a fixed term of 7 years, renewable for subsequent 7-year periods.
Type 2 License: Other Online Games of Chance
Covers all other forms of online games of chance (e.g., casino games, poker, slots).
Issued for a fixed term of 7 years, renewable for subsequent 7-year periods.
Application Process
Applications are submitted to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) through an open-ended process.
The process is accessible to both new entrants and operators previously active under a transitory regime (who must apply or cease operations).
Applicants must submit detailed documentation, including corporate information, proof of technical capability, and compliance with regulatory standards.
All application materials must be provided in accordance with HGC requirements and in the Greek language or accompanied by certified translations.
Eligibility and Key Requirements
Applicants must be legal entities established in an EU or EEA member state.
Demonstration of financial stability and good standing is required.
Applicants must not have any criminal convictions related to gambling or financial crimes.
Technical systems must comply with HGC standards for security, fairness, and player protection.
Applicants must establish a local representative in Greece and appoint a responsible person for compliance.
Systems for anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling must be in place and documented.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
License Type
Initial Fee
Renewal Fee
Duration
Type 1: Online Betting
EUR 3,000,000
EUR 3,000,000
7 years
Type 2: Other Online Games of Chance
EUR 2,000,000
EUR 2,000,000
7 years
Fees are payable upon application and again upon each renewal.
Applicants must provide a financial guarantee/bond as specified by the HGC, ensuring the operator’s obligations are met.
License Duration and Renewal
Both license types are valid for 7 years from the date of issuance.
Renewal applications must be submitted before the license expiry, accompanied by the renewal fee and updated documentation.
Continued compliance with all regulatory requirements is mandatory for renewal.
Maintaining a License
Licensees must ensure ongoing compliance with technical, operational, and reporting obligations set by the HGC.
Regular audits and inspections may be conducted by the HGC.
Failure to comply with conditions can lead to suspension or revocation of the license.
Licensees must maintain up-to-date records and provide periodic reports as required by the regulator.
All licensed gambling operators in Greece are taxed on their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is defined as the total amount wagered by players minus the winnings paid out.
The 35% tax rate applies uniformly to both online and land-based gambling activities.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Operators must calculate and report their taxable GGR on a monthly basis.
Tax payments are generally due by the 20th day of the following month for which the GGR is reported.
Operators are required to submit detailed statements of their gaming activity, including wagers, payouts, and GGR, to the Hellenic Gaming Commission and the Greek tax authorities.
Failure to comply with timely reporting and payment obligations may result in penalties, interest charges, or suspension of the operator’s license.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
No significant tax incentives or exemptions are provided for gambling operators under the current Greek regulatory framework.
All licensed operators, regardless of size or type, are subject to the same 35% GGR tax rate.
There are no reduced rates or special provisions for new entrants or specific types of games.
Additional license fees apply for the acquisition and renewal of gambling licenses, but these are separate from the ongoing GGR tax obligations.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participation in all forms of gambling in Greece is 21 years old.
Operators are required to verify the identity and age of all players before allowing them to gamble, using official identification documents.
Remote (online) gambling operators must implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to prevent underage gambling and ensure that only eligible adults can access gambling services.
Prohibited Types of Gambling and Game Restrictions
Betting on financial instruments traded in organized markets within Greece is strictly prohibited.
Operating a bookmaker without the appropriate license is not permitted.
Games of chance conducted via audiovisual and electromagnetic media are only allowed if a special license has been granted by the Hellenic Gaming Commission.
Unlicensed gambling activities, including both land-based and online operations, are strictly forbidden.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Gambling advertising must not target minors or vulnerable groups, either directly or indirectly.
Advertisements must not depict gambling as a means of solving financial problems or as a path to social success.
All gambling advertisements must include clear messages about responsible gambling and the risks associated with gambling.
Advertising is restricted in certain media and locations, such as near schools or places frequented by minors.
Operators are prohibited from sending unsolicited promotional materials to individuals who have self-excluded or requested not to receive such communications.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Operators must provide players with tools to set personal limits on deposits, losses, and playing time.
Self-exclusion options must be readily available, allowing players to exclude themselves from gambling activities for specified periods or permanently.
Information about the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling support must be clearly displayed on operator platforms and premises.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, including offering support or restricting access.
Strict data protection and privacy measures must be in place to safeguard player information.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Land-based gambling venues are subject to geographic restrictions and may not be located near schools, religious institutions, or other sensitive areas frequented by minors.
Only licensed venues and platforms are permitted to offer gambling services within Greek territory; unlicensed physical or online operations are prohibited.
Remote gambling operators must ensure that their services are not accessible from jurisdictions where gambling is illegal or restricted.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1994
First comprehensive Gambling Act adopted, establishing the initial legal framework for gambling in Greece.
2002
Law 3037/2002 enacted, introducing a near-total ban on all electronic games in public and private places, including internet cafes, in response to concerns over illegal gambling.
2011
Law 4002/2011 passed, introducing a regulatory framework for online gambling and opening the market to licensed operators under a transitional regime.
2019
Law 4635/2019 adopted, significantly overhauling the online gambling licensing system and amending the provisions of Law 4002/2011 to allow fixed-term renewable licenses for online gambling.
August 2020
Ministerial regulatory decisions issued to implement the new licensing regime for online gambling, setting out detailed rules and requirements.
September 2020
Hellenic Gaming Commission publicly invites applications for new online gambling licenses under the updated legal framework.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gaming software, including Random Number Generators (RNGs), must be certified by accredited independent testing laboratories recognized by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC).
Operators are required to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of their gaming systems through regular technical audits and compliance checks.
Gaming platforms must comply with detailed technical specifications set by the HGC, covering system architecture, game logic, and payout calculations.
Any updates or changes to the software must be reported to and, in some cases, pre-approved by the HGC before deployment.
Operators must implement robust monitoring and logging systems to track all gaming transactions and system activities in real time.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
All player data must be stored and processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Greek data protection laws.
Operators must implement strong data encryption protocols for both data at rest and data in transit.
Personal and financial data must be segregated and protected by multi-layered security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Primary servers hosting gaming operations must be located within the European Economic Area (EEA), and the HGC must have unrestricted remote access to these servers for regulatory oversight.
Operators are required to maintain secure backup systems and disaster recovery plans to ensure data integrity and business continuity.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must implement comprehensive AML policies in line with Greek and EU directives, including customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and suspicious transaction reporting.
KYC procedures require the verification of player identity, age, and address before allowing participation in gambling activities or processing withdrawals.
Enhanced due diligence is mandatory for high-risk customers and transactions exceeding specified thresholds.
Operators must maintain records of customer identification, transactions, and AML checks for a minimum period as defined by law, and make them available to authorities upon request.
Automated systems must be in place to detect and flag unusual gaming patterns or financial transactions indicative of potential money laundering or fraud.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators are required to submit regular financial and operational reports to the HGC, including detailed breakdowns of wagers, payouts, and player balances.
All financial records must be maintained in a secure and tamper-proof manner for a minimum statutory period, typically at least five years.
Annual independent audits of financial statements and gaming systems are mandatory, with reports submitted directly to the HGC.
Operators must ensure real-time reporting of gaming transactions to the HGC’s central monitoring system, enabling continuous regulatory oversight.
Systems must be capable of generating ad hoc reports for regulatory or law enforcement investigations upon request.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must integrate technical tools that allow players to set deposit, loss, wager, and session time limits directly through the gaming platform.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available, enabling players to voluntarily restrict or suspend their access for specified periods.
Systems must provide clear, visible, and accessible responsible gambling information, including links to support organizations and helplines.
Automated alerts and pop-up messages must be implemented to inform players about time spent, money wagered, and responsible gambling options.
Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene with appropriate measures, including mandatory breaks or referrals to support services.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
