Main laws: Law 4002/2011, 2019 amendments
The legal system of gambling in Greece is based on Law 4002/2011, which became the foundation for the modern model of market regulation. This law established uniform principles of licensing, taxation and supervision, and also created the conditions for the emergence of private operators. The 2019 amendments expanded the scope of regulation, adapting it to the digital era - primarily for online gambling.
1) Law 4002/2011: structure and principles
The law was passed in August 2011 and defined the key legal foundations for the functioning of the gambling sector.
Its purpose is to protect players, prevent dependence and ensure transparency of operators.
The regulation applies to all types of gambling: casinos, betting, lotteries, bingo and online gambling.
For supervision, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) was created - an independent body that monitors the activities of operators and certification of products.
2) Main provisions of the law
1. Licensing:- All operators are required to obtain a license issued by EEEP.
- a) Online Betting License, b) Online Casino License (casino and RNG games).
- The license is valid for 7 years with the possibility of extension.
- For online operators, a gross income tax (GGR tax) has been introduced - 35%, withheld until profit distribution.
- Players pay an amount-dependent winnings tax (typically 10-15%).
- Self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit and game time limits have been introduced.
- Operators are required to publish help desk contacts and risk warnings.
- All operations are committed and transferred to the EEEP database.
- Companies are required to comply with AML/KYC procedures and provide reporting in a FATF-compliant format.
3) 2019 Amendments: Modernization and Digitalization
In 2019, the Greek government made major changes to the law, adapting it to online reality.
Official liberalization of online gambling.
A new license structure was introduced, replacing the 2011-2018 temporary permits.
Recognition of RNG and live games.
The law first legalized live casinos, slots and virtual games.
New technical standards.
Requirements for RNG, API logs and transaction logs have become mandatory for all operators.
Ad restrictions.
Ads without the 18 + label and without warning of the risk of addiction are prohibited.
Bonus control.
Limits on bonuses and wagering have been introduced; mandatory publication of transparent conditions.
Technology certification.
All platforms are required to be audited by accredited laboratories (GLI, BMM, etc.).
4) Роль Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP)
The EEEP is a central market regulator with broad powers:- issues and renews licenses;
- conducts audits and inspections;
- approves technical regulations;
- maintains a registry of banned sites (blacklist);
- controls Responsible Gaming and advertising standards.
Thanks to the activities of the commission, Greece entered the top 10 EU countries in terms of transparency of gambling regulation.
5) Impact of reforms on the market
Growth in the number of operators: since 2020, international brands have received licenses (Bet365, PokerStars, Kaizen, Stoiximan, Bwin, etc.).
Tax revenue boost: State revenue from iGaming is up 25% by 2023.
Social protection: the number of illegal sites has been reduced, and player support has been improved.
Integration with tourism: resort casinos (Loutraki, Rhodes, Pefkohori) are actively introducing live platforms and CRM for tourists.
6) Forecast and development of legislation
In 2025-2030, the transition to fully digital reporting using APIs between operators and EEEP is expected.
It is planned to introduce AI monitoring of behavioral risks, automatic RG screening and individual limits.
Greece is preparing to become a regional benchmark for iGaming regulation - at the level of Malta and Denmark.
Law 4002/2011 and its 2019 amendments laid the foundation for a modern, transparent and responsible gambling system in Greece. These reforms created a balance between economic growth and social protection, opened the market to international operators and allowed the country to take a strong place in the European iGaming sector. By 2030, Greece has every chance of becoming one of Europe's most technologically advanced and regulated jurisdictions.