Advertising of the online slots has been banned in Greece, and the government has also set some game limits and spin limits for random number-generating games.
The Greek government has introduced new strict restrictions on online games, limiting random number generating games (RNGs) to maximum stakes of € 2, maximum prizes of € 5,000, and a minimum limit of three seconds.
Online slot advertising cannot be active anywhere outside the operator’s own site.
The legislation, part of Greece’s reform of its gambling laws, has been published in the legislature’s official bulletin.
Several previous bills have called for a complete ban on online slots, but parliament has avoided an absolute ban after operators warned it would challenge it.
The final draft regulations were presented to the European Commission in January.
The new secondary legislation stipulates that, with the exception of online poker, players must not be able to start a new game cycle within three seconds of a previous cycle.
Online players will also need to set time and time limits for the game, and operators must notify players when they reach 80% of their limit.
Players who choose to use the self-exclusion system will be able to choose how long the self-exclusion lasts.
While RNG games will be able to offer prizes of up to € 5,000, all casino games, in general, will be subject to a prize limit of € 70,000. Sports bets or other events will win maximum prizes of EUR 500,000 per bet.
Affiliates will need to sign “cooperation agreements” with licensees which must then be notified to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP). They must cover how taxes are calculated and the timing of payments.
In addition to slots, gambling products can be promoted on social networks, but only if operators can restrict advertising so that they are seen only by those over 21 years of age. Communications must not use characters that resemble minors or appear alongside content intended for minors.
Advertising is also prohibited if it tries to display a “positive image” of gambling, showing revenue that leads to good causes. All notices must state the EEEP and the legal age limit for gambling.
Fees for seven-year licenses have been set at € 3 million for online betting and € 2 million for other forms of gambling.