How Can I Tell if an Online Casino is Legal in Greece?
It is indeed the case that even now many do not know that online casino play in Greece is totally safe. Yes, even the home market is secure and strictly controlled, particularly in regard to new casinos in Greece that have been opened. But what are the legal online casinos, and how will you know if an online casino is legal?
True enough, to date, the majority of people are not yet conscious that online casino gambling in Greece is fully regulated and secure. That is because the Greek market is established and highly regulated, with its functioning being controlled by a specific government agency—much like in the majority of advanced countries around the world.
But this is the case only with licensed online casinos, which have secured official operating licenses, are regulated by the Greek government, and hence are absolutely safe for users.
Then what are these legal online casinos, and how will you recognize if an online casino is legal?
The Greek Regulatory Authority for Online Casinos
Let's do it step by step. In an effort to impose order on the Greek online gambling market, protect players, and (naturally) collect tax revenue from online gambling (sports betting, live casino, etc.), the Greek government constructed a thorough regulatory framework for the operation and regulation of the market—modelled after other European countries.
Regulatory control was entrusted in the hands of the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), which grants operating licenses to providers of bets, casino games, or both. The HGC is also responsible for monitoring the market to guarantee legal and appropriate operation and, of course, player protection. Online casinos must satisfy strict legal standards and acquire a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM) to be granted a license.
By the publication of the Ministerial Decision in the Government Gazette B 3265 by the Ministry of Finance and subsequent decisions by the HGC, the first 15 official licenses were granted in August (before that, lawful casinos operated on temporary licenses from the HGC).
Legislation and the Blacklist
On the other hand, unlicensed casinos—either because they are not in line with the requisites or because their activities are doubtful or illegal—are blacklisted by the HGC. The HGC publishes this blacklist and periodically updates it.
How Do I Know a Casino Live Site Is Legal?
Clearly, if an internet casino is legal, it will be listed on casinohouse.gr. But since it's helpful to be able to see this yourself, here are some simple indications that determine if a bookmaker or internet casino has a license from the HGC:
The simplest way is to scroll down to the online casino's bottom page and look for the following:
- A reference to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) and Type 1 and Type 2 licence numbers (sports betting and casino operations respectively)
- A reference to KETHEA (Center for Therapeutic Treatment of Dependent Persons) and the gambling dependency help line
- The minimum legal gambling age (21+)
Are New Online Casinos (Live) Safe?
All internet (live) casinos doing business in Greece must meet a series of stringent requirements in order to be licensed by the Greek state, with each operator being thoroughly vetted before it is licensed. They also must be regulated by independent regulating agencies and testing labs appointed to review their games and software.
The same applies to new online casino (live), which are also obligated to comply with exactly the same technical and legal requirements. At present, there are approximately 24 licensed gambling websites operating legally in Greece. Several providers that have failed to meet these requirements have been either registered as blacklisted by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) or continue to operate illegally. That is why you should be exceptionally cautious!
We present you with only the best new online casinos (live) that are absolutely legal and safe! On their websites, there will be listed license details as well as audit reports by verification bodies such as eCOGRA. You should always look for these certifications before choosing to play with real money at any new online casino (live)!
In Conclusion
Avoid engaging in any activity with a casino that does not have an official operating license issued by the governing authority—the HGC. For reliable information, use casinohouse.gr, the first website in Greece that only presents licensed online casinos operating within the country. Casinohouse.gr is licensed by the HGC and operates lawfully in Greece under Affiliate License Number HGC-000018-AFF.