Discover the Best Online Casinos in Greece

Greece has been home to thrilling online casinos for over a decade now. Since its legalization in 2011, the country has built a strong market for both land-based and online gambling. As a player looking to dive into this exciting world of Greek gambling, we have created the ultimate guide to help you make informed decisions when choosing the perfect online casino for you.

Discover the rich history of gambling in Greece and explore the world of online gambling with us. Learn about legislation, payment options, bonuses, and customer support services. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have a complete understanding of what to anticipate when you visit your beloved online casino!

The Evolution of Greek Online Gambling: A Fascinating History

Greece has a rich history filled with tales of gods and famous philosophers. However, when it comes to gambling, the country’s story is just as intriguing. The Greek Organization of Football Prognostics S.A. (OPAP) was established in 1958 to regulate sports betting and lottery. But it wasn’t until 2011 that online gambling became legal, leading to a surge in both local and foreign-based casinos.

1958: The birth of OPAP marked the start of monopolized gambling in Greece. This organization had complete control over all forms of gambling, including sports betting and lottery.

2002: The government deemed online gambling illegal for social reasons. Despite this declaration, online casinos continued to thrive due to lack of enforcement and loopholes in the law.

2011: Thanks to the Gambling Act, online gambling was finally legalized in Greece. The Hellenic Gaming Commission was also established as a regulatory body for online casinos.

2012 – Present: With foreign-based operators now able to apply for licenses, the Greek market has become even more competitive. From 2015 – 2018 alone, players wagered over €7.5 billion on sports and casino games. And with plans to align their laws with those of the European Union, Greece’s gambling industry is set to continue thriving in the future.

The Exciting Future of Online Casinos in Greece

With the Greek gambling commission making changes to align with European standards, the online gambling market in Greece is about to become even more alluring. And with new laws allowing foreign operators to obtain licenses, players can expect a surge in the number of online casinos and sports betting sites available.

This means increased revenue for the country and an abundance of options for players, including enticing bonuses and a wide selection of games. Currently, Greek online casinos are only permitted to advertise their bonuses to registered users. However, as laws continue to evolve, this may soon change and players will have access to even better casino bonuses that greatly impact their choices.

In addition to the predicted growth of online gambling in Greece’s future, there may also be an increase in land-based casinos and resorts. This ties in with promotions offered by top-rated online casinos, promising loyal players exciting vacations and tours at their physical locations.

The Legality and Regulation of Greek Online Casinos

All forms of gambling are completely legal and regulated under Greece’s 2011 Gambling Act. More specifically, Law 4002/2011 outlines all requirements 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 operation within Greece.

While some foreign online casinos that cater to Greek players may not hold a license from the Hellenic Gambling Commission, they may be licensed by other reputable authorities such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curacao eGaming Authority. It is important to note that playing with these operators without an HGC license leaves players unprotected in the event of exploitation or violation.

Players in Greece must be at least 21 years old to gamble at both online and land-based casinos. Any age below this is considered a violation of gambling laws and may result in fines, bans, or other consequences as determined by law.

Deposit and Withdrawal Limits at Greek Online Casinos

The maximum bet allowed at a Greek online casino, according to the Hellenic Gambling Commission, is €20. This limit was recently increased from €2. Jackpot games also saw an increase in their limit, from €70,000 to €140,000. As for withdrawals at Greek online casinos, non-jackpot winnings are limited to €10,000.

There are various payment options available for deposits and withdrawals at Greek online casinos, including cash payments at OPAP stores and e-wallets.

Licensing for Greek Online Casinos

The right to issue and revoke licenses for online gambling platforms within Greece belongs solely to the Hellenic Gambling Commission. Any casino licensed by this commission is protected under the country’s laws as outlined in the Gambling Act. This protection extends not only to the casino itself but also to players who engage in gambling activities within licensed casinos. They are safeguarded against exploitation or violation while playing.

To obtain a license from the Hellenic Gambling Commission, operators must pay a fee of €3 million. The license is valid for five years only and requires a minimum tax rate of €1 million.

Promoting Responsible Gambling in Greek Online Casinos

The gambling act strictly enforces the acceptance of players aged 21 and above at online casinos in Greece. This is achieved by requiring players to present an ID card, both at land-based and online casinos, to verify their age and tax registration number, among other criteria. Additionally, Greek online casinos must provide tools that allow players to set limits on their gambling activities.

These tools include setting time limits, bet limits, and self-exclusion options for those who struggle with excessive gambling. Casinos are also responsible for ensuring that these restrictions are adhered to at all times. As part of efforts to promote responsible gambling, Greek online casinos must also provide helplines and services that assist with gambling addiction on their websites.

Helplines Available for Gambling Addiction in Greece

All Greek online casinos typically provide a helpline for associations that offer assistance with overcoming gambling addiction. There are several associations available for this purpose, such as Gamblers Anonymous and Kathea. The latter is a recognized association in Greece that helps individuals deal with issues related to problem gambling through prevention, therapy, and support.

Taxation of Winnings at Greek Online Casinos

High-stakes players at Greek online casinos may have concerns about taxes declared by these operators. All players are required to declare their winnings and pay a 15% tax on them.

For instance, winnings between €100 – €500 attract a 15% tax rate while anything above €500 is taxed at 20%. Players who win less than €100 are not subject to any taxes.

Note that these winnings must be reported within 30 days or risk facing penalties. As for casino operators, they are taxed at 35% on all revenue generated from bets.

Bonuses at Greek Online Casinos

Although Greek online casinos are prohibited from advertising bonuses to unregistered users, it is important for players to be aware of what they can expect. Fortunately, Greek online casinos offer some of the most attractive bonus packages in the industry, including bonus funds and free spins. These bonuses are typically divided into different categories, as explained below.

Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are considered the most significant type of bonus offered by online casinos in Greece. They are used to entice new players to register with a particular casino and usually come in the form of bonus funds given after an initial deposit is made. For example, a casino may offer a 100 – 150% deposit match for first-time deposits up to €1000. In some cases, players may be required to meet a minimum deposit requirement and enter a special code in order to receive this bonus.

Aside from the extra funds, many casinos also offer free spins as part of their deposit bonus package, with some even offering up to 150 free spins. While these bonuses may seem enticing, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions attached. These usually include wagering requirements, validity period, and game restrictions.

In certain cases, a Greek online casino may provide a no-deposit bonus, where players can win real money without having to make a deposit. These bonuses are typically lower than deposit bonuses but come with fewer restrictions.

Special Deals

Gambling online becomes even more exciting when casinos offer special promotions on specific days, cashback rewards, and jackpot bonuses. Luckily, many Greek online casinos have a dedicated promotions page where players can take advantage of ongoing deals that apply to specific games on certain days. For example, you might come across a “Blackjack Monday” promotion that offers bonus funds for playing blackjack on Mondays.

Casinos may also offer cashback rewards where players receive a percentage of their losses back on certain game categories. These types of promotions are common at online casinos in Greece.

VIP and Loyalty Programs

To keep customers coming back for more, many online gambling platforms have loyalty programs in place where players earn points based on their bets and gameplay. As these points accumulate, players can unlock different levels that come with additional perks compared to regular players. These perks can include birthday rewards, higher withdrawal limits, better game bonuses, and more. Many Greek online casinos have similar loyalty schemes available for their customers.

Understanding Wagering Requirements at Greek Online Casinos

When claiming bonuses at Greek online casinos, it is crucial to pay attention to the wagering requirements. Wagering requirements refer to the number of times a player must wager their bonus funds before being able to withdraw them. For instance, if you receive a €20 bonus with a 25x wagering requirement, you must wager €500 on selected games in order to cash out your bonus.

Therefore, when choosing a casino based on its attractive bonuses, it is important to make sure that the wagering requirements are reasonable and achievable. Also, always check the validity period required to meet these requirements.

Payment Options Available at Greek Online Casinos

In Greece, players have access to an extensive range of payment options for making deposits and withdrawals at online casinos. Each payment method has its own limits and processing times and may not be available at every casino. However, some of the common payment methods used in Greece are discussed below.

Prepaid Cards, Credit Cards, and Debit Cards

The most commonly found payment method at Greek online casinos is card payments. Players can easily make deposits or withdrawals using cards such as VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro among others. Some casinos also accept prepaid cards like Paysafecard for instant deposits; however withdrawals may take up to seven days depending on the amount and card issuer.

Cash Deposits via OPAP Stores

Cash deposits are also offered as a payment option by some Greek online casinos; however how this works varies from casino to casino. Players can also make deposits and withdrawals through OPAP stores located in various locations.

E-Wallets

E-wallets are another popular payment method among Greek online casino players. Platforms such as Neteller, PayPal, and Skrill make it easy to deposit and withdraw funds. With e-wallets, players do not need a bank account or statement, and withdrawals are typically processed within a day.

Revolut and Online Banking

Players can request their bank to make an online transfer to their chosen online casino that accepts this payment option. Some casinos also offer the use of Revolut, which functions in a similar way. However, deposits and withdrawals may take longer to process before the funds reflect in the player’s account.

Digital Wallets and Payment Systems

Greek online casinos also utilize payment platforms like VivaWallet, IRIS, Rapid Transfer, TWIGA, and SmartPay. These platforms function similarly to e-wallets by allowing players to deposit and withdraw funds without disclosing their banking information. Deposits made using these payment systems are usually instant, but withdrawals may take up to a day or more.

Top Greek Online Casinos

CategoryCasino

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

Greek online casinos offer a variety of features and benefits, making it tempting for players to join quickly. Luckily, the registration process is simple and can be completed within seconds. However, to sign up at an online casino in Greece, you must provide a valid license proving that you are 21 years or older in order to access the games and additional features. If the casino has a mobile app, you can easily download it for a seamless gaming experience. Alternatively, you can access the casino site through your desktop or mobile web browser. Once on the website, follow these steps:

Time Required: 00:05

Tools Needed: An Account

Supplies Needed: Time and Money

Step

Step 1

Go to the Sign-Up Page

Once you have logged into your chosen Greek online casino, look for the sign-up button at the top of the homepage. Click on it to open the registration form where you will need to verify your identity by providing personal details.

Step

Step 2

Fill in the Required Details

On the registration page, you will need to enter important information such as your name, surname, address, date of birth, tax registration number and more. Some casinos may also require you to upload an ID for verification purposes.

Step

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. Agree to the casino’s terms and conditions and create your account. You should receive a verification email or code to confirm your account.

Step

Step 4

Go to the Cashier Page and Make a Deposit

After confirming your online gambling account, you may be eager to start playing games. However, if you are playing with real money, it is important to first go to the cashier page and make a deposit so that you can place bets on games and potentially win big.

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 available

Cons

Taxes on winnings above €100 Non-advertisement of casino bonuses to non-registered users High age limit Low maximum deposit limit

Discover the Differences: Greek Online Casinos vs Land-Based Casinos

While there may be more online casinos available in Greece, don’t discount the quality of service offered by land-based casinos. These luxurious resorts provide a complete gambling experience, filled with excitement and memorable moments. Let’s take a closer look at some notable distinctions between land-based and online Greek gambling platforms.

Land-Based Greek Casinos

checked.svg Immerse yourself in rich Greek culture

checked.svg Enjoy a lively party atmosphere while you gamble

checked.svg Network with other gamblers and make new connections

Be prepared for potential long lines to place bets and play games

Limited selection of games available

Online Greek Casinos

checked.svg Convenient and easily accessible from anywhere

checked.svg No distractions to interrupt your gameplay

No interaction with other gamblers, for better or worse

Say goodbye to long lines and waiting times

Not all withdrawals are processed quickly, so plan accordingly.

What Sets These Top-Ranked Greek Online Casinos Apart?

1

Verified Licenses

Prioritizing your safety and security, we thoroughly examine the licenses held by these online casinos before listing them. Our top picks for Greek online casinos are licensed by the reputable Hellenic Gambling Commission or other trusted authorities like MGA and Curacao eGaming Authority.

2

Ensured Safety & Security

In addition to a valid license, our featured casinos are certified to have SSL encryption and other security measures in place to safeguard your personal and financial data from any unauthorized access.

3

Endless Gaming Options

The collection of games at these top-ranked Greek online casinos is unparalleled, offering a diverse range of options including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, live dealer games, as well as unique offerings like lottery games, keno, craps, and bingo.Your gaming experience is bound to be exciting and rewarding with these endless options.

4

Generous Casino Bonuses

Our featured Greek online casinos offer some of the most lucrative bonuses in the market. From attractive welcome bonuses to regular promotions, you’re in for a treat with the packages these casinos have to offer. And rest assured, all terms and conditions are fair and transparent, with no room for exploitation.

Best 5 Online Casinos in Greece

RankCasinoYear EstablishedLicenceBonuses

1

Fairspin Casino2018Curacao100% up to €100000 + 30 free spins

2

Betti Casino2022Curacao100% up to €100

3

Legzo Casino2022Antillephone License Validation300% up to €1500 + 500 FS

4

Metaspins Casino2022Curacao100% up to 1 BTC

5

Pledoo Casino2021Curacao100% up to €200 + 75 Free spins

Discover the Exciting World of Online Casinos in Greece

Experience a wide range of casino games at Greek online casinos. With options such as slot machines, table games, live games, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

  1. Slots: Explore thousands of thrilling slot games at these online casinos. With diverse themes and in-game bonuses from top providers like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming, you’ll have plenty of chances to boost your winnings.
  2. Table Games: Dive into classic titles like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and video poker. Plus, with different variations available, you can mix up your bets for even more excitement.
  3. Live Games: Take the casino experience to the next level with live versions of popular table games. Interact with real dealers in real time while enjoying favorites like blackjack and roulette.
  4. Beyond the Basics: Add some extra fun to your gaming with unique options like craps, keno, bingo, and lottery. These unconventional choices add variety to your betting portfolio.

Discover the Benefits of Playing at Greek Online Casinos

Greek online casinos are gaining popularity for their impressive features, as mentioned in the sections above. These features are just some of the many perks that attract players to these casinos. If you’re still unsure of what these benefits are, here’s a quick summary:

Greek online casinos excel in offering attractive welcome bonuses and promotions. Some even give out no-deposit bonuses, allowing players to try out games without risking their own money. And when it comes to deposit bonuses, players can receive up to €1000 in bonus funds and 100 free spins or more.

Registering with a Greek online casino is a breeze as long as you’re 21 years or older. Within seconds, you can have an active account ready for betting and playing games. You can even access the sign-up option on your mobile device or desktop. And for those who prefer apps, many casinos offer a convenient mobile app for an even smoother registration process.

Greek online casinos boast a vast selection of entertaining and profitable games. With so many options available, players can enjoy hours of non-stop gaming without repeating a single game. These games include various genres and themes such as slots, roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack. For lottery enthusiasts, there are also casinos that offer lottery games in their collections. And let’s not forget about the excitement of live dealer games and additional options like keno, bingo, and craps.

To ensure responsible gambling practices are followed at all times, Greek online casinos have implemented measures to prevent addiction and financial loss. These tools include time limits, bet limits, and a self-exclusion option that help players gamble safely while still having fun. It’s important to note that all Greek online casinos are required to promote responsible gambling.

Discover the Must-Have Requirements for Playing at an Online Casino in Greece

With the information provided above about Greek online casinos, there are certain criteria that your chosen casino must meet in order to ensure a satisfactory gaming experience. These include:

  • Diverse Game Selection: A wide variety of casino games must be available.
  • Safety & Security: The casino should hold a valid license and have measures in place to protect your personal data.
  • Convenient Payment Options: Choose from various trusted Greek payment methods.
  • Responsive Customer Support: Easily accessible support representatives fluent in Greek.

In Conclusion

This comprehensive review of Greek online casinos provides all the necessary information for navigating the country’s gambling market. You can enjoy an exceptional gaming experience with peace of mind, knowing that you are protected by local laws and regulations, similar to those found on popular European casino sites. The future looks promising for the Greek gambling industry, as it aligns with EU standards and becomes a major contributor to the country’s revenue.

Meet Brian Smithson

With over 5 years of experience in the writing industry, Brian has become an expert in online casinos and gambling. He has written for some of the biggest names in the business, such as GiG Media, Casumo, ComeOn, Bethard, Betsson and the Kindred Group. His extensive knowledge and skills have helped numerous affiliate companies with content planning, creation, on-site SEO and project management.

References

  1. Hellenic Gambling Commission
  2. Gambling law of 2011 – Greece – European Commission
  3. Regulating the Gaming Market and Other Provisions, Chapter H

Common Questions

Is it legal to gamble at online casinos in Greece?

Gambling has been legalized in Greece since 2012, making all forms of gambling fully recognized and permitted by law.

Do I have to pay taxes on my casino winnings in Greece?

A tax rate of 15% applies to winnings between €100 – €500, while anything above €500 is subject to a tax rate of 20%. However, any winnings under €100 are exempt from taxation.

What payment methods are commonly used at Greek online casinos?

The most popular payment options at Greek online casinos include credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, and e-wallets.

What types of games can I find at Greek online casinos?

You can enjoy a variety of slot machines, table games, and live games at Greek online casinos.

Does customer support at Greek online casinos offer assistance in the Greek language?

Yes, customer support at Greek online casinos is available in the Greek language.

Can I use Greek payment methods to make transactions at Greek online casinos?

Some casinos accept cash payments through OPAP stores and traditional digital systems.

Are there any offshore casinos that allow players from Greece?

Yes, there are several foreign casinos that offer services to players in Greece.