Pursuant to Article 28(1) of Law 4002/2011 (Government Gazette A’ 180), the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) is the competent authority responsible for issuing licences and certifications for the conduct and operation of games, including both technical-entertainment games and games of chance, except where the issuance of an administrative licence falls within the competence of the Minister of Finance.
The HGC grants licences for the lawful conduct and operation of gambling activities in Greece across both the land-based and online sectors.
More specifically, the HGC licenses activities relating to:
- the operation of casinos and other land-based gambling activities;
- the provision of online gambling services to players (B2C Online);
- individual categories of online gambling, including online betting and other online games; and
- other gambling-related activities and services regulated under the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
All Licences are granted subject to specific terms and conditions designed to ensure market integrity, transparency, player protection, and compliance with the applicable legislative and regulatory framework.
Licences Granting Exclusive Rights
OPAP S.A. holds exclusive rights to operate a number of land-based games of chance in Greece through its agency network. Among the most significant games offered under the exclusive rights regime are the “KINO” number lottery, the “PAME STOICHIMA” fixed-odds betting game, “Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs)”, the “JOKER” number lottery, and the “Eurojackpot” transnational European number lottery . The State Lotteries are operated by Hellenic Lotteries S.A., a company of the OPAP Group.
B2C Online Licences
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) is responsible for issuing licenses for online gambling in Greece, in accordance with the applicable legal framework, which provides for two types of licenses covering betting and other gaming activities. Holding a license is a prerequisite for lawful operation, while operators are required to comply with the regulations and requirements established by the HGC.
B2B Online Licences
As part of the regulation of the online gambling market in Greece, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) establishes certification and licensing requirements for Manufacturers and Suppliers of Technical Means and Materials used in the conduct of online games of chance. To operate within the regulated market, these entities must obtain a Suitability Licence from the HGC, demonstrating that their systems, software, equipment, and technological infrastructure comply with the applicable technical specifications, security requirements, and regulatory standards. Eligible Manufacturers and Suppliers are registered in the relevant HGC Register.
Online Affiliate Licences
An Affiliate is a natural or legal person that collaborates with a licensed online gambling operator to promote specific games of chance. Affiliates typically place links, advertisements, or other promotional content on their websites or digital channels with the objective of directing players to the website of the licensed online gambling operator. To carry out such activities legally in Greece, an Affiliate must obtain an Affiliate Suitability Licence from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) and be registered in the relevant Affiliates Register maintained by the HGC.
Casino Licences
There are eight licensed casinos operating in Greece, with the legislative framework regulating their operation and defining key parameters such as the duration of the license, the location of operation, and the gaming activities that are permitted.
Casino Junket Licences
A Casino Junket Operator is a natural person or legal entity, established in Greece or abroad, that collaborates with a licensed land based casino operator to promote casino gaming activities and attract customers. Junket Operators are remunerated by the licensed land based casino operator based on the participation of the customers they introduce to the casino's gaming activities. To carry out such activities legally, a Junket Operator must obtain a Junket Operator Suitability Licence from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC).
Critical Functions Licences
Key Functions are roles and responsibilities relating to the organisation, coordination, supervision, and control of specific operational areas involved in the conduct of gambling activities. These functions are performed by designated responsible persons or their deputies, in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
Administrative and Other Casino Personnel Licences
Administrative and other casino personnel include individuals employed in the administration, organisation, and operation of a Licensed land based Casino, as well as persons providing services to casino customers. This category typically includes employees engaged in gaming operations, technical support, security, surveillance, cashiering, and customer service activities.
Electronic Technical-Amusement Game Licences
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) grants licenses for the operation of electronic technical-amusement games to profit-oriented natural or legal persons, who are responsible for operating such games in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.
Casino Technical Means and Materials Suitability Licences
Casino Technical Means and Materials Suitability Licences relate to the certification and approval of technical equipment, systems, and materials used in the conduct and management of casino gaming activities. These may include gaming machines, electronic gaming equipment, gaming tables and their associated systems, surveillance and monitoring systems, jackpot systems, and other technical devices used in casino operations. The licensing framework ensures that such equipment complies with the applicable technical, security, integrity, and audit requirements established by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC).