Greek (HGC) Licensed Casinos

Greece Gambling Regulatory Body

When speaking of the gambling authority, the single commission that regulates all the activities delivers licenses and more, HGC or Hellenic Gaming Commission is also called Greece Gaming Commission. Because of its establishment, it has now become the sole authority in the area offering four major services.

• Gambling regulation.
• Granting licenses and certifications.
• Audit of gambling activities.
• Protection of player rights.

To achieve those goals, the body is always actively participating in major areas. You can find useful information on casinos, online license applications, market statistics, blacklisted companies, and anti-money laundering. HGC is the single and sole administrative authority and it offers information on the role, scope, work, structure, and organization of the Commission. Because of these things, you will primarily find useful information on gaming activities that are legal in the country, and the entities that conduct legal trade in Greek territory. The framework of regulations and appropriate gaming rules, compliance with the same, the rules governing responsible gaming, and issues relating to the protection of minors.

International Association of Gambling Regulators IAGR

You can learn more about it from the official website that is endorsed by the International Association of Gambling Regulators IAGR, data.gov.gr, GREF or Gambling Regulators European Forum, and many such government bodies. The official webpage of this commission is available from 17 Acharnon Street and Mavrokordatou Square, GR 104 38, Athens. So, it makes it more authentic than ever as you can even call them on a toll-free number or send an email for inquiries. You can read elaborately about their auditing services and also responsible gaming policies. Under their supervision services, HGC performs several key functions.

• It performs gaming market regulation in the country.
• Gambling certification is a part of it.
• Licensing and certification of electronic amusement games.
• Certification for technicians that work on them, repair, and maintain them.
• Audits for compliance with their policies and rules.
• Lists and registrars of various bodies.
• Anti-money laundering activities, measures, and policies.

All games that are monitored under the audit system of the Greece Gaming Commission undergo strict checking. As per games of chance that result in partial luck and financial gain, these are defined clearly for readers. And, they are governed by probability law which states that luck plays a decisive role in this and randomness should be introduced here with Random Number Generators or RNG. Or, it must be carried out by lottery physically. This extends to all games of chance like blackjack, cards, lotteries, number games, betting, casino games, roulette wheel, and so on.

License Provisions for Gambling

Those games are played with an electronic machine, and those online games too on them, require a license to be used legally. As per Article 27 part 1 and more, mechanical and recreational devices also need licenses to be used for gambling. The licensing process for online gambling websites and services comes under Online Gaming License and is open to everyone.

This is also applicable to content providers in the realm of Type A1 and Type A2, bearing “Manufacturers Suitability Licence” which allows players and the public to be safe. Depending on whether they offer management services or are gambling operators and casino operators, the final proceedings may differ. For example, in addition to the above, a company might have to apply for a “Suppliers Suitability Licence”.

There is also another type of license called Affiliate Suitability Licence which delivers a lot to customers. It must be registered under HGC’s online Register of Affiliates. Thus, the above provisions allow a new gambling company to set up and start its business, and as for online casino brands, there is less hassle because they do not have electronic or mechanical devices.

Similarly, the land-based game of chance or casinos bears Article 43 of Law 4002/2011 and it states that any professionals that supply the providers of gambling with the relevant mechanical devices, must obtain a license as well. Because these Relevant Products need relevant licensing, it is further divided into the following categories. This is described in Articles 42 and 43.

Different types of Certifications

First, certification A for up to 30 slot machines, and must be installed exclusively in gaming facilities. Second, Certification B is for companies with up to 50 slot machines and is also exclusive to casinos and game parlors only. Third, Certification C is for a mixed group of slot machines not exclusive to gaming zones. Then, the fourth category is Certification D which covers the installation/maintenance of these services and products and also applies to cruisers and sea vessels.

Certification E is for the installation of these slots on Greece-flagged sea vessels and those on international voyages only. Finally, Certification F is for those who wish to install up to 15 slot machines in various Greek agencies. One must also remember that the story doesn’t end here. Besides these provisions, casino licenses are also divided into various categories.

As of now, casino licenses are divided into two broad types. One is a simple license and the other is a wider casino license. Because of such vague specifications, many companies also choose not to establish here with the higher tax rates. Depending on the type of infrastructure available, Article 359 of Law 4512/2018, one of the latest amendments read that simple casino licenses are those that include almost all casinos in the country. These are called “Simple the casino license”. Then, there is the other type, which covers a wider range.

These simple types include casinos and gaming areas and also accommodations and establishments like hotels and resorts that feature at least 3 or 5-star facilities. The “wider range casino licenses” are as the name suggests, and combine gaming facilities, accommodation facilities, five-star hotels and resorts, shops, and much more. Because of this, they are installed in special spots like tourist places and healing centers.

Player Protection, Amendments

The HGC Greece Gaming Commission makes things easier for players and the public. The commission is strict in Greek territory and has an innovative eASSOS platform. It comes with a range of tools, and applications, which HGC is designed for. It is also developed to inform and create awareness and to keep gamblers safe using self-protection skills. Such platforms keep things safe for players, from fair trading and gaming policies to using RNG.

Anti-money laundering and terrorist financing in the gambling market is a major concern too, and to keep the public safe, the Hellenic Gaming Commission is competent in safeguarding social interest, public revenues, legitimacy of gambling provinces, and various stages of operation and licensing. Because of this, it makes more sense to do things better.

As per Law 4557/2018, the Government Gazette, HGC is the competent authority in monitoring provisions, as per casinos, casinos on board cruises, enterprises and businesses, and many other land-based factors too.

Obtaining Greece Gambling Licence

To obtain a gambling license, through slot machines, it is necessary to submit a filled application to HGC or Greece Gaming Commission. This includes applicants' data, the number of certified gaming machines, and others by the HGC laws. As per the Hellenic gaming Commission’s decision on B3225, 11/18/2014, the establishment's control of the technical and characteristics of slot machines goes under their authority.

Similarly, individuals and businesses opting for gambling licenses should fulfill the basic criteria. This is that they should not be convicted of any crimes and should not have any cases for theft, fraud, stolen property, forgery of documents, corruption, and more. Also, natural persons should not be convicted of any serious crimes and committed a crime in the field of gambling. Also, this does not end here because after getting the license, the company must also notify Greece Gaming Commission or HGC without any delay of the information of various kinds.

• Availability of slot machines on their premises.
• Presence of qualified instructors and technicians.
• Access to qualified games for the machines.
• Confirmation of legal rights by the operator to use the property.
• And legal permit to move slot machines for storage, repair, etc.