Gambling Age In Greece

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Greece, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to all forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms. The age restriction is strictly enforced to protect minors from the risks of gambling addiction and financial harm, aligning with Greece’s focus on responsible gambling practices.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal and regulated in Greece, with a limited number of licensed casinos and numerous betting shops and lottery outlets operating across the country. Greece has nine licensed casinos, located in areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Rhodes, offering games such as poker, roulette, and slot machines. These venues are required to implement rigorous age verification processes, typically through ID checks at entry, to ensure compliance with the 19-year-old age limit. The state-owned OPAP holds a monopoly on lotteries and sports betting, operating thousands of retail outlets.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated in Greece under a framework established in 2011 and refined in 2021. Licensed operators, both domestic and international, offer online casinos, sports betting, and poker platforms. The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) issues licenses and ensures operators adhere to strict standards, including age verification, responsible gambling measures, and technical security. Unlicensed offshore gambling sites are blocked by authorities, and players accessing such platforms face legal risks, as these sites operate outside Greece’s regulatory protections.

Regulation and Oversight: The Hellenic Gaming Commission, under the Ministry of Finance, is the primary authority responsible for regulating gambling in Greece. The Gaming Supervision and Control Law of 2011, amended in 2021, governs both offline and online gambling, ensuring fair play, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering measures. OPAP maintains a partial monopoly on certain gambling activities, while private operators can apply for casino and online licenses. The HGC enforces strict compliance, including mandatory self-exclusion programs and contributions to problem gambling initiatives.

Enforcement and Penalties: Greece enforces its gambling regulations rigorously. Licensed operators face regular inspections to ensure compliance with age verification and licensing requirements. Violations, such as allowing underage gambling or operating without a license, can result in substantial fines, license revocation, or criminal charges. The HGC maintains a blacklist of illegal gambling websites, which are blocked by internet service providers. Players caught engaging in underage gambling or using unlicensed platforms may face fines or other penalties, reinforcing Greece’s commitment to a secure and responsible gambling environment.