The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), also known as the Ελληνική Επιτροπή Παιγνίων (Ε.Ε.Ε.Π.), is the regulatory authority overseeing all gaming activities in Greece. Established to ensure fair play and protect the interests of players, the HGC is responsible for licensing, regulating, and monitoring land-based and online gambling. This article provides an in-depth look at the types of licences available, key requirements, costs and taxes, benefits of obtaining a licence, and the application procedure.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission offers various types of licences to accommodate different forms of gambling activities. These licences are categorized into two primary groups: land-based gambling licences and online gambling licences.
Land-Based Gambling Licences
1. Casino Licences: These licences are required for the operation of brick-and-mortar casinos in Greece. They cover various casino games including slot machines, table games, and poker.
2. Betting Shop Licences: For businesses that wish to operate physical betting shops, offering sports betting and other types of wagers.
3. Lotteries and Bingo Licences: These licences are for operators wishing to run lottery games and bingo halls.
4. Horse Racing Licences: Specifically for entities that manage and operate horse racing tracks and betting on horse racing events.
Online Gambling Licences
There are 2 forms of B2C online gambling licence in Greece, namely:
Type 1 Online Betting Licence: This allows operators to accept wagers on sports, fantasy sports, and virtual events using RNGs.
Type 2 Licence for Other Online Games: This covers live or RNG-based casino games and poker.
1. Online Casino Licences:Permitting the operation of online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and other traditional casino games in a digital format.
2. Online Betting Licences: These licences allow for the operation of online sports betting, including live betting and betting exchanges.
3. Online Poker Licences: For platforms that host online poker games and tournaments.
4. Online Bingo and Lottery Licences: Allowing the operation of online bingo and lottery games.
B2B licences are also available and ESA Gaming holds a Suitability Licence, Category A1 from the Hellenic Gaming Commission covering our games and GAS, our casino content aggregator.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission has stringent requirements that must be met by operators to obtain any of its licences. These requirements ensure that all operators are reputable, financially stable, and capable of providing a safe and fair gaming environment.
Financial Requirements
1. Capital Adequacy: Operators must demonstrate substantial financial resources. For online gambling licences, the minimum share capital required is €200,000.
2. Bank Guarantee: A bank guarantee ranging from €500,000 to €2 million is necessary, depending on the type and scale of the operation.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
1. Corporate Structure: The applying entity must be incorporated within the European Economic Area (EEA).
2. Background Checks: Thorough background checks are conducted on the company's directors, key executives, and significant shareholders to ensure they have no criminal records or history of unethical practices.
3. Technical Standards: All gaming software and systems must meet the technical standards set by the HGC. This includes regular audits and certifications from approved testing laboratories.
Operational Requirements
1. Responsible Gaming Measures: Operators must implement robust responsible gaming measures, including self-exclusion options and tools to set deposit and loss limits.
2. Customer Protection Policies: Adequate policies for customer data protection, dispute resolution, and fair gaming practices must be in place.
3. Physical Presence: While primarily for land-based licences, some online licence categories may also require a minimal physical presence in Greece for compliance purposes.
B2B Licensing
For a Category A.1 Suitability Licence for online casino software providers, the company should hold a relevant licence from a competent EU or EEA Regulatory Authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, and must be able to demonstrate that it has at last begun the necessary procedures to obtain an ISO/IEC 27001 certification.
The costs and taxes associated with obtaining and maintaining a gambling licence from the Hellenic Gaming Commission can be significant but are essential for legal and profitable operations in Greece.
Licensing Fees
1. Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of €10,000 is required for all types of gambling licences.
2. Licence Fee: The initial licence fee varies depending on the type of licence. For example, an online gambling licence costs €3 million for a 7-year licence, while land-based casino licence scan range significantly based on location and scale.
3. Renewal Fee: Renewal fees are applicable every seven years and are usually the same as the initial licensing fee.
Taxes
1. Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Tax: Operators are subject to a GGR tax of 35% on their earnings. This tax is applicable to both land-based and online gambling activities.
2. Corporate Income Tax: Standard corporate income tax rates also apply, which is currently set at 24%.
Obtaining a licence from the Hellenic Gaming Commission offers numerous advantages to gambling operators and online casino software providers.
Legitimacy and Trust
A licence from the HGC signifies that an operator is legitimate and adheres to the high standards of fairness and security required by the regulatory body. This builds trust with players and other stakeholders.
Market Access
With a licence, operators gain access to the Greek gambling market, which has a strong demand for both land-based and online gaming services. This can lead to substantial business opportunities and growth.
Regulatory Support
Licensed operators receive ongoing support from the HGC, including guidance on regulatory compliance, responsible gaming initiatives, and updates on any legal changes affecting the industry.
Competitive Edge
Being a licensed operator provides a competitive edge in the market, distinguishing legitimate businesses from unlicensed, potentially illegal operators. This advantage can attract more customers and build a loyal player base.
The process of applying for a licence from the Hellenic Gaming Commission is detailed and involves severalsteps. This section outlines the primary stages of the application procedure.
Initial Preparations
1. Document Compilation: Gather all necessary documentation, including financial statements, corporate structure details, background checks, and technical system specifications.
2. Engage Legal Counsel: It is advisable to engage legal counsel familiar with Greek gambling laws to assist with the application process.
Submission of Application
1. Application Form: Complete the official application form provided by the HGC, ensuring all sections are filled accurately.
2. Supporting Documents: Submit all required supporting documents along with the application form. These documents typically include proof of financial stability, technical compliance certificates, and detailed business plans.
3. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of €10,000.
Evaluation by the HGC
1. Initial Review: The HGC conducts an initial review of the application to ensure all necessary information and documentation have been provided.
2. Detailed Assessment: A more detailed assessment follows, where the HGC evaluates the applicant's financial stability, technical capabilities, and overall suitability to hold a licence.
3. Interviews and Inspections:The HGC may conduct interviews with key executives and perform on-site inspections of the applicant's operations.
Decision and Issuance
1. Approval or Rejection: After the thorough evaluation, the HGC either approves or rejects the application. If approved, the applicant is notified and required to pay the initial licence fee.
2. Licence Issuance: Upon payment of the licence fee, the official licence is issued, allowing the operator to commence their gambling operations legally in Greece.
Post-Issuance Obligations
1. Compliance Reporting: Licensed operators must regularly submit compliance reports and financial statements to the HGC.
2. Ongoing Audits: Periodic audits by the HGC or approved third parties ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards.
3. Renewal Process: Licensees must apply for renewal before the expiration of their current licence, adhering to the same stringent criteria as the initial application.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission plays a crucial role in regulating Greece's gambling industry, ensuring that alloperators maintain high standards of fairness, security, and responsibility. By understanding the types of licences available, key requirements, associated costs and taxes, benefits, and the detailed application procedure, prospective operators can effectively navigate the process and establish a successful gaming business in Greece. Whether entering the land-based or online gambling market, adhering to HGC guidelines is essential for legal and profitable operations.
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