Discover the Thrills of Online Gambling in Greece
Since its legalization in 2011, online casinos in Greece have been satisfying the gaming desires of players. With a decade under its belt, the country boasts a thriving market for both traditional and virtual gambling. As you embark on your journey through this magnificent world of Greek gambling, our comprehensive guide will help you make informed choices when selecting the perfect online casino.
Discover the fascinating history of gambling in Greece and learn about the latest online gambling legislation, payment methods, bonuses, and customer support services. By the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what to expect when you visit your preferred online casino!
The Evolution of Greek Online Casinos: A Fascinating Look into Gambling History in Greece
Greece is widely known for its rich history, filled with tales of mythical gods and groundbreaking philosophers. However, the country’s gambling scene has a history of its own. It all began in the late 1950s with the establishment of the Greek Organization of Football Prognostics S.A. (OPAP), which held a monopoly over sports betting and lottery. While online gambling was initially frowned upon, it has now become a thriving industry with over 100 sites catering to Greek players.
1958: The Greek Organization of Football Prognostics S.A. (OPAP) gained control over all forms of gambling in the country, including sports betting and lottery. This monopoly remained intact for several decades.
2002: Online gambling was deemed illegal by the government due to social concerns. However, lax enforcement and loopholes allowed online casinos to continue operating in Greece.
2011: A new Gambling Act was passed, legalizing online gambling in Greece. To regulate this industry, the Hellenic Gaming Commission was formed and tasked with creating laws for online casinos.
2012 – Present: With foreign operators now able to obtain licenses, the Greek government has opened up its market even further. In just three years (2015-2018), Greek players wagered over €7.5 billion on various casino games and sports. The Hellenic Gambling Commission is currently working towards aligning its laws with those of the European Union, creating a more competitive market for gamblers.
Unlocking the Potential: The Future of Online Casinos in Greece
The Greek online gambling market is on the verge of a major transformation as the country’s gambling commission moves towards aligning its laws with those of the rest of Europe. With a new law allowing foreign operators to obtain licenses, we can expect a surge in the number of online casinos and sports betting sites in Greece.
This is great news for both the country and players alike. The increased competition will lead to better revenue for Greece, while players will have a plethora of options to choose from, with enticing bonuses and an extensive game selection. Currently, Greek online casinos are only able to display their bonuses to registered users. However, as laws continue to relax, this restriction may soon be a thing of the past. Players can look forward to more lucrative casino bonuses influencing their decisions.
In addition to the expected boom in online gambling, we may also see an increase in land-based casinos and resorts being developed. This ties into promotions offered by top online casinos, promising loyal players exciting vacations and tours at their physical locations.
The Legal Landscape: Regulations and Authorities Governing Greek Online Casinos
All forms of gambling in Greece are fully regulated and legal under the 2011 Gambling Act (Law 4002/2011). This law outlines all provisions and requirements for operating a casino within the country’s borders. As previously mentioned, this law is enforced by the Hellenic Gambling Commission, which is also responsible for issuing licenses to online casinos seeking to operate in Greece.
While some foreign online casinos operating in Greece may not have a license from the Hellenic Gambling Commission, they may hold licenses from other reputable authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curacao eGaming Authority. However, it’s important to note that if you choose to play with these unlicensed operators, any issues or violations will not be addressed by the Hellenic Gambling Commission.
In order for Greek players to gamble at either land-based or online casinos, they must be at least 21 years of age. Any violation of this law can result in fines, bans, or other consequences as dictated by the law.
Deposit and Withdrawal Limits at Greek Online Casinos
According to the Hellenic Gambling Commission, the maximum bet allowed at a Greek online casino is €20. This limit was recently raised from €2. For jackpot games, the limit was also increased from €70,000 to €140,000. Withdrawals at Greek online casinos are limited to €10,000 on non-jackpot winnings.
Players have access to a variety of payment options for making deposits and withdrawals – from cash transactions at OPAP stores to e-wallets.
Licensing Requirements for Greek Online Casinos
The Hellenic Gambling Commission has exclusive authority over issuing and revoking licenses for online gambling platforms in Greece. Any casino licensed by this commission is fully protected and regulated under the country’s laws outlined in the gambling act. This provides protection not only for the casino but also for players engaging in gambling activities within its licensed premises.
In order for an operator to obtain a license from the Hellenic Gambling Commission, they must pay a fee of €3 million. This license is valid for five years and comes with a minimum tax rate of €1 million.
Promoting Responsible Gambling in Greek Online Casinos
The gambling act mandates that all online casinos in Greece only accept players who are 21 years of age or older. This is verified by requiring players to present an ID card at both land-based and online casinos, which includes their age and tax registration number. Additionally, Greek online casinos are required to provide tools that allow players to set limits on their gambling activities.
These tools include time limits, bet limits, and self-exclusion options for those who may be struggling with excesses. Casinos are also responsible for enforcing these restrictions at all times. To further promote responsible gambling, Greek online casinos must also offer helplines and resources to assist players with gambling addictions.
Helplines for Gambling Addiction in Greece
All licensed online casinos in Greece provide access to helplines run by organizations dedicated to helping individuals overcome their gambling addictions. These include Gamblers Anonymous and Kathea – a recognized association in Greece that offers services such as prevention, therapy, and support for those struggling with problem gambling.
Taxation on Winnings at Greek Online Casinos
High-stakes players may have concerns about the taxes imposed on winnings at Greek online casinos. All players are required to declare their winnings and pay a minimum tax rate of 15%.
For example, if your winnings fall between €100 – €500, you will be taxed at a rate of 15%. For winnings over €500.01, the tax increases to 20%. Players who win less than €100 are not subject to any taxes.
It’s important to note that these winnings must be declared within 30 days, or players may face penalties. For casino operators, revenue generated from bets is taxed at a rate of 35%.
Bonuses at Greek Online Casinos
While online casinos in Greece are not allowed to advertise bonuses to unregistered users, it’s still important for players to know what they can expect. Thankfully, Greek online casinos offer some of the most generous bonuses in the gambling market – including bonus funds and free spins. These bonuses fall into various categories, as explained below.
Welcome Bonuses
These are the most significant bonuses offered by online casinos in Greece and are typically used to entice new players to register. Welcome bonuses often come in the form of bonus funds awarded after making an initial deposit. For example, a casino may offer a 100-150% deposit match on your first payment up to €1000. Some casinos may also require a minimum deposit and bonus code in order for players to claim this offer.
Aside from the additional funds, most casinos also offer free spins as part of their deposit bonus, sometimes even up to 150 free spins. While these bonuses may seem enticing, it’s important to be aware of the terms and conditions attached. These usually include wagering requirements, validity period, and eligible games.
In certain cases, a Greek online casino may provide a no-deposit bonus, where players can win real money without having to place a wager first. While these bonuses are typically smaller than those offered with deposits, they also come with fewer terms and conditions.
Special Promotions
Gambling online becomes even more exciting when casinos offer bonuses on specific days or have cashback and jackpot promotions. Luckily, many Greek online casinos have a dedicated promotions page where players can take part in ongoing offers for certain categories of games on designated days. For example, you might find a “Blackjack Monday” promotion that offers bonus funds for playing blackjack on Mondays.
Cashback rewards are another common promotion where players can receive a percentage of their losses back for specific game categories. You’ll find plenty of these promotions at online casinos in Greece.
VIP and Loyalty Programs
To keep customers coming back, many online gambling platforms have loyalty schemes that award points based on bets placed and number of games played. As you accumulate points, you can unlock different levels that offer additional gaming perks compared to regular players. These perks may include birthday rewards, higher withdrawal limits, better game bonuses, and more. VIP programs like this are available at Greek online casinos.
Understanding Wagering Requirements for Bonuses at Greek Online Casinos
When claiming bonuses at online casinos in Greece, it’s crucial to pay attention to the wagering requirements. A wagering requirement is the number of times a player must bet their bonus funds before being able to cash them out. For example, if you receive a €20 bonus with a 25x wagering requirement, you must place €500 worth of bets on eligible games before withdrawing the bonus.
If you’re signing up with a casino for their attractive bonus offer, make sure the wagering requirements are fair and achievable. Also, be sure to check the validity period required to meet these requirements.
Payment Options Available at Greek Online Casinos
For making deposits and withdrawals at online casinos in Greece, players have an array of payment options to choose from. Each method has its own payment limits and processing times and may not be available at every casino. However, some commonly accepted payment methods in Greece include:
Prepaid, Credit, and Debit Cards
This is likely the most popular payment method among Greek online casinos. Players can easily deposit or withdraw using cards like VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, and others. Prepaid cards like Paysafecard are also accepted for instant deposits; however withdrawals may take up to seven days depending on the amount and card issuer.
Cash via OPAP Stores
Certain Greek online casinos list cash as a payment option; however this may vary by casino. Players can also make deposits and withdrawals through OPAP stores located throughout their area.
E-Wallets
E-wallet platforms such as Neteller, PayPal, and Skrill are popular among Greek casino players for their ease of use. With e-wallets, players don’t need a bank account or statement and withdrawals are typically processed within a day.
Revolut and eBanking
Players can request an online transfer from their bank to their chosen online casino, or some casinos offer the option to use Revolut. Deposits and withdrawals may take longer with this method before funds appear in your account.
Digital Wallets and Payment Systems
Casinos in Greece also accept payment platforms like VivaWallet, IRIS, Rapid Transfer, TWIGA, and SmartPay. These systems allow for deposits and withdrawals without revealing your banking information. Deposits are usually instant but withdrawals may take up to a day or more.
Top Greek Online Casinos
Category | Casino |
---|---|
Overall best online casino in Greece | Fairspin Casino |
Greek online casino with the best games | Thunderpick Casino |
Online casino in Greece with the highest payouts | CoinGames Casino |
Greek online casino with the best bonuses | Metaspins Casino |
Best Greek online live casino | Pirateplay Casino |
How to Sign Up and Start Playing at Greek Online Casinos
Greek online casinos offer numerous features and benefits that make them a popular choice among players. If you’re interested in joining one, the registration process is quick and simple, taking only seconds to complete. However, before gaining access to the games and additional features, you’ll need to provide a valid license proving that you’re 21 or older. For a more seamless experience, some Greek online casinos also have mobile applications available for download. Alternatively, you can easily access the casino site through your desktop or mobile web browser. Once on the website, follow the steps outlined below to create your account.
Estimated Time Needed: 00:05
Tools Needed: Account
Supplies Needed: Time, Money
Step 1
Go to the Sign-Up Page
To begin the registration process at your chosen Greek online casino, look for a sign-up button at the top of their homepage. Click on it to open the registration form where you will need to verify your identity by entering your personal information.
What Are the Perks and Downsides of Gambling With Online Greek Casinos?
The several features of Greek online casinos make them look pretty much enticing to the average gambler. However, with these many upsides, they’re still some noticeable downsides to Greek online casinos in general. Both pros and cons of online casinos in Greece are summarised below.
Pros
Wide range of casino games 24/7 live casino Responsive customer support services Intuitive and responsive web interface Excellent payment methods Mobile casino apps availableCons
Taxes on winnings above €100 Non-advertisement of casino bonuses to non-registered users High age limit Low maximum deposit limitExciting Differences Between Greek Online Casinos and Land-Based Casinos
While there may be more online casinos in Greece, the quality of service at land-based casinos cannot be matched. These luxurious resorts offer a complete experience, filled with excitement and memorable moments that come with gambling. Let’s take a closer look at the notable distinctions between land-based and online Greek gambling platforms.
Land-Based Casinos in Greece
Immerse yourself in rich Greek culture
Enjoy a lively party atmosphere while you gamble
Network with other gamblers for a social experience
Expect long lines for bets and games
Limited game options available
Online Casinos in Greece
Convenient and easily accessible
Zero distractions for a focused gaming experience
No interaction with other gamblers, perfect for introverts
Say goodbye to long lines with online betting
Not all withdrawals are processed quickly, so plan accordingly
Discover How We Evaluate and Rank Greek Online Casinos
1
Valid Licenses
Prioritizing your safety, we thoroughly review the licenses held by these online casinos before featuring them on our list. For Greek online casinos, we ensure they are licensed by the Hellenic Gambling Commission. If they are based outside of Greece, they must hold a valid license from reputable authorities like MGA and Curacao eGaming Authority.
2
Secure Gaming Environment
In addition to proper licensing, we also prioritize the security of your personal and financial data. These casinos have been certified to have SSL encryption and other measures in place to protect your information from any potential hacking or third-party access.
3
Extensive Game Selection
The variety of games offered at these online gambling platforms is unmatched, providing you with endless opportunities to win big. From classic slots to roulette, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, and live dealer options, you’ll never run out of options. Some casinos may even offer unique games like lottery, keno, craps, and bingo.
4
Generous Casino Bonuses
Our selection of Greek online casinos boasts some of the most enticing bonus offers in the market. From welcome bonuses to ongoing promotions, these casinos know how to treat their players. And with fair terms and conditions in place, you can enjoy these bonuses without worrying about being taken advantage of.
Best 5 Online Casinos in Greece
Rank | Casino | Year Established | Licence | Bonuses |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fairspin Casino | 2018 | Curacao | 100% up to €100000 + 30 free spins |
2 | Betti Casino | 2022 | Curacao | 100% up to €100 |
3 | Legzo Casino | 2022 | Antillephone License Validation | 300% up to €1500 + 500 FS |
4 | Metaspins Casino | 2022 | Curacao | 100% up to 1 BTC |
5 | Pledoo Casino | 2021 | Curacao | 100% up to €200 + 75 Free spins |
Discover the Thrill of Casino Games in Greece
Experience the excitement of playing a variety of casino games at top online casinos in Greece. From classic slots to live dealer games, there is something for every type of player.
- Slots Galore: Get lost in a sea of slot machines at Greek online casinos, each with its own unique theme and special features. Don’t forget to check out the newest releases at the latest online casinos, powered by reputable providers like Evolution Gaming and Microgaming.
- Diversify Your Bets: In addition to slots, you’ll find a wide selection of table games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and video poker. With multiple variants available, you can mix up your bets for even bigger wins.
- The Ultimate Live Experience: Elevate your gaming with live versions of popular table games like blackjack and roulette. Interact with real dealers in real time without ever leaving your home.
- A Little Extra Fun: Looking for something different? Try your luck at unique games like craps, keno, bingo, or lottery. These extra options add even more excitement to your gambling experience.
What Makes Greek Online Casinos Stand Out?
The online gambling scene in Greece is gaining popularity thanks to the impressive features offered by these casinos. From enticing bonuses to responsible gambling measures, there are numerous perks that make Greek online casinos a top choice for players. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:
Greek online casinos are known for their generous bonuses and promotions. Some even offer no-deposit bonuses, giving players free bets without requiring a deposit. This allows players to try out games and potentially win without risking their own money. And when it comes to deposit bonuses, some can go up to €1000 or more along with free spins.
Discover the Requirements for Playing on an Online Casino in Greece
After learning about Greek online casinos, it’s essential to consider the criteria that your chosen casino must fulfill. These are the key elements to look for:
- Variety of Games: A vast selection of casino games should be available.
- Safety & Security: The casino must hold a valid license and have proper security measures and certificates to safeguard your personal information.
- Payment Options: Make sure there are multiple Greek payment methods offered.
- Customer Support: Easily accessible customer service representatives who can assist you in Greek.
In Conclusion
This thorough review of Greek online casinos equips you with all the necessary knowledge for navigating the country’s gambling scene. With similar experiences at European casino sites, rest assured that you can fully enjoy your gambling experience while being protected by local laws. The future looks bright for Greece’s gambling industry, with potential growth and increased revenue as it aligns with EU standards.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to gamble at online casinos in Greece?
Gambling has been legalized in Greece since 2012, allowing all gambling activities to be recognized and permitted under the law.
Do taxes apply to my casino winnings in Greece?
Depending on the amount won, a 15% or 20% tax will apply to casino winnings in Greece. However, any winnings below €100 are exempt from taxation.
What payment methods are most used at online casinos in Greece?
The most popular payment options for online casinos in Greece include credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, and e-wallets.
What games are available at Greek online casinos?
Players can enjoy a variety of slot machines, table games, and live games at Greek online casinos.
Do Greek online casinos offer customer support in the Greek language?
Customer support services at Greek online casinos are available in the Greek language for players’ convenience.