Discover the Excitement of Online Casinos in Greece
Experience the thrill of online gambling in Greece, where it has been legal since 2011. With a thriving market for both land-based and virtual casinos, players have endless options to choose from. To help you navigate this dynamic world of gambling in Greece, we have created the ultimate guide to assist you in selecting the perfect online casino for your gaming needs.
Discover the rich history of gambling in Greece and explore the world of online betting. From legislation to payment options, bonuses to customer support, this guide covers it all. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be fully informed for your next visit to your beloved casino website!
The Evolution of Gambling in Greece: From Ancient Myths to Modern Online Casinos
Greece has long been known for its rich history, filled with tales of gods and goddesses, as well as groundbreaking philosophers and scientists. However, it wasn’t until the late 1950s that the country’s gambling scene truly began to take shape. The Greek Organization of Football Prognostics S.A. (OPAP) was established to regulate sports betting and lottery, and has since held a monopoly over gambling in the region. But with the rise of online casinos in the early 2000s, this monopoly began to be challenged.
1958: The Greek Organization of Football Prognostics S.A. (OPAP) gained exclusive control over all forms of gambling in Greece, including sports betting and lottery.
2002: The government declared online gambling illegal due to societal concerns. However, lax enforcement allowed for a thriving underground market.
2011: A new Gambling Act was passed, legalizing online gambling and creating a regulatory body known as the Hellenic Gaming Commission.
2012 – Present: Foreign-based operators are now able to obtain licenses in Greece. In just three years (2015-2018), Greek players wagered over €7.5 billion on various casino games and sports betting activities. The Hellenic Gaming Commission is continuously working to align Greece’s gambling laws with those of the European Union, creating a more competitive market for players.
Discover the Exciting Future of Online Gambling in Greece!
As the Greek gambling commission works towards aligning their laws with those of other European countries, the online gambling market in Greece is set to become more appealing than ever. With the recent law allowing foreign operators to apply for licenses, there will be a significant increase in the number of online casinos and sports betting sites available to players in Greece.
This means better revenue for the country and a plethora of options for players, including enticing bonuses and an extensive selection of games. Currently, Greek online casinos can only display their bonuses to registered users. However, as laws continue to relax, we predict that this restriction will also become a thing of the past, giving players more freedom to choose from a variety of casino bonuses.
In addition to the predicted growth in online gambling in Greece, there may also be an increase in land-based casinos and resorts. This ties into promotions offered by some top-rated online casinos, which promise loyal players vacation packages and tours at their physical locations.
The Legality and Regulation of Greek Online Casinos
All forms of gambling are completely legal and regulated under the 2011 Gambling Act in Greece. Specifically listed under Law 4002/2011 are all provisions and terms for operating a casino within the country. As mentioned earlier, this law is enforced by the Hellenic Gambling Commission, which also grants licenses to online casinos seeking to operate within Greece.
While some foreign online casinos may not have a license from the Hellenic Gambling Commission, it is important to look for licenses from other reputable authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curacao eGaming Authority. However, it should be noted that playing with these foreign operators without an HGC license means any violations or exploitation will not be addressed by the Hellenic Gambling Commission.
In order to gamble at a land-based or online casino in Greece, players must be at least 21 years of age. Anything younger is considered a violation of gambling laws and could result in fines, bans, or other consequences as dictated by the law.
What are the 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 increased from €2. For jackpot games, there has also been an increase from €70,000 to €140,000. Withdrawals at Greek online casinos are limited to €10,000 for non-jackpot games winnings.
There are various payment options available for making deposits and withdrawals at Greek online casinos, including cash at OPAP stores and e-wallets.
Greek Online Casino Licenses
The Hellenic Gambling Commission has exclusive rights to issue and revoke licenses for online gambling platforms in Greece. Any online casino licensed by this commission is protected and regulated under Greek laws according to the 2011 Gambling Act. This also means that players are protected when playing on licensed casinos since they are safeguarded against exploitation and violations while engaging in gambling activities.
If you wish to obtain a license from the Hellenic Gambling Commission, you must pay a fee of €3 million. This license is valid for a period of five years and has a minimum tax rate of €1 million.
What Are the Regulations for Responsible Gambling in Greek Online Casinos?
The gambling act strictly requires that only players aged 21 and above are accepted at online casinos in Greece. This is enforced by requiring players to present identification at land-based or online casinos to verify their age and tax registration number, among other criteria. Additionally, Greek online casinos must provide tools for players to limit their gambling activities, including time limits, bet limits, and self-exclusion options if necessary. The casino must also assist players in adhering to these restrictions at all times. To further promote responsible gambling, Greek online casinos are required to provide helplines and services on their websites to help combat gambling addictions.
What Are the Helplines Available for Individuals with Gambling Addiction in Greece?
All Greek online casinos provide a helpline that connects players with associations dedicated to helping them overcome gambling addiction. These associations include Gamblers Anonymous and Kathea, a recognized organization in Greece that offers prevention, therapy, and support services for individuals struggling with gambling problems.
Taxation on Winnings at Greek Online Casinos
If you are a high-stakes player at online casinos in Greece, you may have concerns about the taxes declared by these establishments. All players are required to declare their winnings and pay a 15% tax on them.
For instance, if your winnings fall between €100 – €500, you must pay a 15% tax on them. However, anything over €500.01 is taxed at 20%. Players who win less than €100 are not subject to any taxes.
Note that these winnings must be declared within 30 days, or you may face penalties. For casino operators, a tax rate of 35% is imposed on all revenue generated from bets.
Bonuses at Greek Online Casinos
While online gambling platforms in Greece are not allowed to advertise bonuses to unregistered users, it is important to know what bonuses are available. Fortunately, Greek online casinos offer some of the most attractive bonus features in the gambling market, including bonus funds and free spins. These bonuses are divided into different categories, as explained below.
Welcome Bonuses
These are the most significant bonuses offered by Greek online casinos and are used to entice players to register with a particular establishment. Welcome bonuses usually come in the form of bonus funds given after making an initial deposit. For example, a casino may offer up to 100 – 150% deposit match on your first payment up to €1000. In some cases, you may need to meet a minimum deposit requirement and enter a bonus code to claim this offer.
Aside from the bonus funds, most casinos offer free spins as part of their deposit bonus, with some offering up to 150 free spins. However, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions associated with these bonuses. These typically include wagering requirements, validity periods, and eligible games.
In certain cases, a Greek online casino may offer a no-deposit bonus, allowing players to win real money without making a wager. While these bonuses may have lower prize amounts compared to deposit bonuses, they also come with fewer restrictions.
Special Promotions
Gambling online becomes even more exciting when casinos offer special promotions such as cashback rewards and jackpot bonuses on specific days. Many Greek online casinos have dedicated promotion pages where players can participate in ongoing offers that apply to certain categories of games on specific days. For example, a “Blackjack Monday” promotion may offer bonus funds for playing blackjack on Mondays.
Cashback rewards are another common promotion at Greek online casinos where players can receive a percentage of their losses back on certain game categories. There are many other types of promotions available at these casinos.
VIP and Loyalty Programs
To keep customers coming back for more, many online gambling platforms have loyalty programs where players earn points based on their bets and number of games played. As points accumulate, players can unlock different levels that come with extra gaming perks not available to the average player. These perks may include birthday rewards, higher withdrawal limits, better game bonuses, and more. VIP and loyalty programs are common 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. These are the number of times a bonus must be wagered before it can be withdrawn. For example, if a bonus fund of €20 has a 25x wagering requirement, players must wager €500 on selected games before being able to withdraw the bonus.
Before signing up with a casino based on its enticing bonuses, players should ensure that the wagering requirements are fair and achievable. It’s also essential to check the validity period required to meet these requirements.
Payment Options Available at Online Casinos in Greece
Greek players have an array of payment options available for deposits and withdrawals. Each method has its own payment limits and processing times and may not be available at all casinos. However, some common payment methods in Greece include:
Prepaid, Credit, and Debit Cards
The most commonly accepted form of payment at Greek online casinos is through prepaid cards or credit/debit cards such as VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, and others. Prepaid cards like Paysafecard are also accepted for instant deposits but may take up to seven days for withdrawals depending on the amount and card issuer.
Cash Deposits at OPAP Stores
Some Greek online casinos offer cash deposits as a payment option; however, how this works varies from casino to casino. Players can also make deposits or withdrawals through OPAP stores located throughout their area.
E-Wallets
E-wallets are a popular payment method in Greece, with platforms such as Neteller, PayPal, and Skrill making it easy to deposit and withdraw funds. This option does not require a bank account or statement, and withdrawals are usually processed within a day.
Revolut and eBanking
Players can also make online transfers from their bank account to an online casino that accepts this payment method. Some casinos may also offer the use of Revolut, which serves a similar function. However, processing times for deposits and withdrawals may take longer using this method.
Digital Wallets and Payment Systems
Greek online casinos also accept payments through platforms like VivaWallet, IRIS, Rapid Transfer, TWIGA, and SmartPay. These options work similarly to e-wallets by allowing players to deposit and withdraw funds without disclosing their banking information. Deposits using these payment systems are usually instant, while 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 Register at Greek Online Casinos
With the plethora of features and benefits offered by Greek online casinos, it’s no wonder players are eager to join in on the action. Luckily, the registration process is quick and simple, taking only a few seconds to complete. However, before gaining access to games and other features, players must provide a valid license confirming they are 21 years or older. If the casino has a mobile app available, players can choose to download it for a more seamless gaming experience. Alternatively, they can easily access their preferred casino site through their desktop or mobile web browser. Once on the website, simply follow the steps outlined below.
Estimated Time Needed: 00:05
Necessary Tools: An Account
Required Supplies: Time and Money
Step 1
Go to the Sign-Up Page
Upon logging into your chosen Greek online casino, you should see a sign-up button at the top of the homepage. Click on this button to open up the registration form where you will need to verify your identity by providing personal details.
Step 2
Fill in the Required Information
On the registration page, you will need to enter important details such as your name, surname, address, date of birth, tax registration number, and other relevant information. Depending on the casino’s policies, you may also be required to upload a form of identification for verification purposes.
Step 3
Create Your Account
If the casino requires a bonus code to claim your welcome bonus, make sure to enter it in the designated box. Then agree to the terms and conditions set by the casino and proceed to create your account. You should receive a verification email or code to confirm your account.
Step 4
Head to the Cashier Page and Make a Deposit
Once your online gambling account is confirmed, you may be eager to start playing games. However, if playing with real money is your goal, it’s important to first go to the cashier page and make a deposit. This will allow you to place wagers on games and potentially start winning.
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 limitComparison: Greek Online Casinos vs Land-Based Casinos
While there are more online casinos available in Greece, the quality of service at land-based casinos cannot be matched. These luxurious resorts offer a complete gambling experience, filled with excitement and unforgettable moments. However, there are some notable differences between land-based and online gambling platforms in Greece.
Land-Based Casinos in Greece
Immersed in rich Greek culture
Party atmosphere to enhance your gambling experience
Opportunity to network with other gamblers
Long queues for placing bets and playing games
Limited selection of games
Online Casinos in Greece
Convenient and easily accessible
No distractions while gambling
No interaction with other gamblers
No long lines or wait times
Withdrawal times may vary in speed
Discover How We Evaluate and Rank the Top Greek Online Casinos
1
Valid Licenses
Prioritizing your safety, we thoroughly check the licenses of all listed online casinos. For Greek casinos, we ensure they are licensed by the Hellenic Gambling Commission. Foreign casinos must hold a reputable license from authorities like MGA and Curacao eGaming.
2
Secure Gaming Environment
In addition to valid licenses, our recommended casinos have top-notch security measures in place to protect your personal and financial data from any potential threats.
3
Gaming Variety Galore
The selection of games at these top-rated online casinos is endless, offering you endless opportunities to win big. From classic slots to live dealer games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, and more, you’ll never run out of options. And don’t forget about the added excitement of lottery games, keno, craps, and bingo.
4
Unbeatable Bonuses
Our featured Greek online casinos offer some of the most generous bonuses on the market. From lucrative welcome offers to exclusive promotions, you’ll be treated to a range of tempting packages. And rest assured that all terms and conditions are fair and free from any exploitation.
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 |
Experience the Thrills of Casino Games in Greece
Step into the world of Greek online casinos and discover a variety of exciting casino games waiting for you. From classic slots to live dealer games, there’s something for every player.
- Slots: Immerse yourself in endless possibilities with thousands of slot games available at these online casinos. With unique themes and lucrative bonuses, you’ll be on your way to big wins in the newest online casinos. Stick with trusted providers like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming for a top-notch gaming experience.
- Table Games: Add some excitement to your gaming session with popular titles like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and video poker. Explore different variations and increase your chances of winning big.
- Live Games: Elevate your gameplay with live versions of table games like blackjack and roulette. Interact with real dealers in real time and get the full casino experience from the comfort of your own home.
- Beyond the Classics: In addition to traditional casino games, you can also find unique options such as craps, keno, bingo, and lottery. These add an extra layer of excitement to your gambling journey and give you more opportunities to win big.
Discover the Benefits of Playing at Greek Online Casinos
Greek online casinos are gaining popularity for their impressive features, as discussed in the sections above. These highlights are sure to attract casino enthusiasts, and if you’re curious about what perks these casinos offer, take a look at the following points.
Welcome bonuses and promotions are one of the strong suits of Greek online casinos. Many casinos offer no-deposit bonuses that allow you to play with free bets without even making a deposit. This is a great way to try out games and potentially win before using your own money.
You’ll also find deposit bonuses that can reach up to €1000 or more, along with free spins on top of that.
Signing up for a Greek online casino is a breeze as long as you’re 21 years or older. It takes seconds to verify your age and create an active account, allowing you to start placing bets and playing games immediately. The best part is that you can easily sign up from your mobile device or desktop. And if you prefer apps, many casinos offer a convenient mobile app for an even easier signup process.
Get ready for endless entertainment and potential profits with the vast selection of games offered at Greek online casinos. With so many options to choose from, you could play for hours without repeating a game. These options include various genres and themes of slots, roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack. And if you’re into lottery games, there are plenty of casinos that offer those as well. But the fun doesn’t stop there – live dealer games and additional options like keno, bingo, and craps are also available.
Even though Greek online casinos provide endless fun, they also prioritize responsible gambling measures to ensure players don’t get addicted or go bankrupt. All online casinos in Greece are required to use tools such as time limits, bet limits, and a self-exclusion option to promote responsible gaming.
Experience the Thrill of Greek Online Casinos – What You Need to Know
Discover the world of Greek online casinos and what sets them apart from the rest. Find out about the key criteria that every reputable casino in Greece must meet.
- Diverse Games Selection: Enjoy a vast array of casino games to suit every player’s preference.
- Safety & Security Guaranteed: Rest assured that all licensed casinos in Greece prioritize your data protection with top-notch security measures and certificates.
- Convenient Payment Options: Access a variety of Greek payment methods for hassle-free transactions.
- Greek-Speaking Customer Support: Get assistance from knowledgeable representatives who can communicate in Greek through multiple channels.
The Future is Bright
This comprehensive review of Greek online casinos is your ultimate guide to navigating the country’s gambling market. Play with peace of mind, knowing that you are protected by local laws, just like players on European casino sites. The future looks promising for Greece’s gambling industry, as it aligns with EU standards and brings in revenue for the state.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online casinos legal in Greece?
Online gambling has been legalized in Greece since 2012, making all forms of gambling recognized and permitted under the law.
Do I have to pay taxes on my casino winnings in Greece?
Any winnings between €100 and €500 are subject to a 15% tax, while anything above €500 is taxed at a rate of 20%. However, winnings below €100 are exempt from taxes.
What payment methods are commonly used at Greek online casinos?
The most popular payment options include credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, and e-wallets.
What types of games can I play at Greek online casinos?
You will find a variety of games such as slot machines, table games, and live dealer games at Greek online casinos.
Is customer support available in Greek at Greek online casinos?
Yes, customer support is available in Greek at Greek online casinos.