Greece’s online gambling market has evolved into one of the most regulated and structured markets in Europe. Players now enjoy access to secure, government-approved Greek betting sites and Greek bookmakers, all operating under clear regulatory oversight. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the legal landscape, the types of gambling allowed, and how to identify licensed betting sites in Greece.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Greek Gambling Regulations
- Legal Status of Greek Betting Sites
- Black Market Gambling in Greece
- How to Identify Licensed Betting Sites in Greece
- Final Thoughts
Overview of Greek Gambling Regulations
Gambling in Greece is regulated under Law 4002/2011, with significant updates introduced through Law 4635/2019 and Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) directives. The HGC, also known as the EEEP, is the national authority responsible for licensing, compliance, and enforcement.
License Types:
- Type 1 License: Covers online sports betting
- Type 2 License: Covers online casino games (slots, poker, RNG games, and live casino)
All Greek betting sites must operate with one or both of these licenses to be legally active in the Greek market.
License Costs and Operator Tax Rates:
| License Type | Cost | Validity | GGR Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (Betting) | €3 million | 7 years | 35% (sports betting) |
| Type 2 (Casino) | €2 million | 7 years | 35% (casino games) |
| Horse Racing Bets | – | – | 30% |
Operators must also maintain a minimum share capital of €200,000 to €500,000 and meet strict technical, AML, and data hosting requirements.
Key Rules:
| Rule Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Max stake per casino spin | €2 |
| Max win per casino session* | €70,000 |
| Autoplay & turbo spins | Not allowed |
| Progressive jackpots | Only allowed if localized per operator |
| Server location | Must be hosted in Greece |
| Domain | Must use a .gr domain |
In this context, a casino session refers to the continuous period during which a player engages in one or more casino games without logging out or disconnecting from their account. The session starts when the player begins gambling activity and ends when they: Log out, Disconnect due to inactivity or system timeout, Manually close the session, OR reach predefined session limits (such as loss or time limits).
Restricted Bet Types and Casino Games:
While licensed Greek betting sites offer a wide variety of gambling options, certain types of bets and games are prohibited:
Prohibited Sports Bet Types:
- Bets on underage sports (U18 leagues)
- Bets on friendly matches
- Bets on disciplinary events (e.g., number of red/yellow cards)
- Bets on events without approved integrity monitoring
- Bets on political elections or non-sporting outcomes
Restricted Casino Games and Features:
- Networked progressive jackpots (across multiple operators)
- Slot games with autoplay or turbo-spin functionality
- Spins faster than 3 seconds per round
- Casino games that do not allow full KYC verification
- Cryptocurrency-based games or payments
These restrictions are designed to protect consumers and uphold game integrity.
Legal Status of Greek Betting Sites
Online gambling is fully legal in Greece, provided the operator holds a license issued by the HGC. Greek bookmakers that meet the legal and technical requirements are granted seven-year licenses for sports betting and casino operations.
Popular licensed betting sites in Greece include:
- Stoiximan.gr
- Bet365.gr
- Novibet.gr
- Interwetten.gr
- Pamestoixima.gr
These platforms are safe, regulated, and required to implement strict responsible gaming measures including deposit limits, session time controls, and self-exclusion tools.
Black Market Gambling in Greece
Despite regulation, illegal gambling remains a serious issue in Greece. According to a 2023 study by KAPA Research and the HGC:
- Over 900,000 Greeks engaged with unlicensed platforms
- Estimated annual turnover of €1.7 billion in illegal gambling
- More than 8,600 unlicensed websites are blocked by Greek ISPs
Risks of Using Unlicensed Sites:
- No legal protection or recourse
- High risk of fraud or non-payment
- No responsible gaming tools
- Possible legal consequences (misdemeanor offense under Greek law)
How to Identify Licensed Betting Sites in Greece
The HGC maintains an official whitelist and blacklist of gambling operators. You can check whether a website is authorized by visiting the official HGC Lists & Registers portal.
Checklist for Legitimate Greek Bookmakers:
- Site domain ends in “.gr”
- License is listed on the HGC website
- Full KYC (identity verification) is required
- Transparent terms and responsible gaming tools are available
Taxation on Winnings For Players:
| Winnings Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to €100 | 0% |
| €100 to €500 | 15% |
| Over €500 | 20% |
Final Thoughts
Greek betting sites and licensed Greek bookmakers now operate in one of the most regulated and secure gambling environments in the EU. Thanks to the oversight of the HGC, players can access reliable platforms that promote transparency, consumer protection, and responsible play.
When looking for licensed betting sites in Greece, always verify their credentials on the official HGC registry. Avoid unlicensed platforms, as they expose you to legal and financial risk.
For players who want both entertainment and peace of mind, sticking to government-regulated Greek betting sites is the smart bet.
FAQs About Greek Betting Sites
To begin with, a legal betting site in Greece must hold a valid license from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). Additionally, it must operate under a .gr domain and follow strict technical, financial, and responsible gaming standards.
First, visit the official HGC Lists & Registers portal. From there, you can confirm whether the operator appears on the whitelist and meets all compliance criteria.
Greek regulations prohibit bets on underage leagues, friendly matches, disciplinary actions, and political events. These restrictions aim to preserve betting integrity and reduce match-fixing risks.
Depending on your winnings, you may pay 15% on amounts between €100 and €500, and 20% on anything above €500. Fortunately, winnings up to €100 remain tax-free.
Yes. All licensed Greek bookmakers must provide tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and session timers. As a result, players benefit from a safer gambling experience.
Because Greek law requires all data to be stored domestically, operators must host servers in Greece. This ensures compliance with data protection, tax, and audit standards.
Absolutely. Thanks to rigorous HGC oversight, Greek betting sites offer a secure, transparent, and responsible environment for players. Just make sure to choose only licensed platforms.
