Best 43 Online Casinos in Greece 2020
Greece Online Casinos
It is said that the people of Greece have been playing games of chance since the establishment of the ancient civilizations, and the activity remains a huge part of the Greeks’ culture even today. Greece boasts one of the biggest gambling markets in the Balkans with an estimated turnover of about €16b in 2019. However, things have not always been rosy for gambling enthusiasts in contemporary Greece, and the legal industry has come a long way. The legal market took off almost a decade ago when the government passed Law 4002/2011. The law legalized gambling in both its online and land-based forms, and it also paved the way for the establishment of the Hellenic Gaming Commission to oversee operators. Thanks to this Law, Greeks can now enjoy various forms of wagering activities without looking over the shoulder. For those who are passionate about casino gaming, there are plenty of luxurious facilities that provide top of the line gaming services around the country. These establishments can be found in various cities across the mainland like Athens, Thessaloniki, Loutraki, Halkidiki, Xanthi, and Patra. The smaller islands like Syros, Rhodes, and Corfu also boast some exotic state-of-the-art casinos. These facilities offer several types of real-money games like Blackjack, Baccarat, American Roulette, Texas Hold’em, and slot machines. You have to be at least 21 years old and smartly dressed to be admitted into the land-based casinos. If making your way to the brick-and-mortar gambling venues is too much for you then you don’t have to worry since you can play your favorite casino games without leaving the warmth of your living room. Greece has about 15 websites operating in the regulated market, which is a pretty healthy variety. The available options include renowned international brands like Stoiximan, Bet365, Pokerstars, Foxbet, Betshop, Novibet, and Sportingbet. There are also some excellent local options like OPAP.gr, which was formerly owned by the state. The online casinos in Greece are well-stocked with a massive selection of games to cater to every player’s needs. The offering ranges from popular online slots to table games like European Roulette, American Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Sic Bo, Craps, and Hold’em Poker. They also offer various variants of video poker like Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, Aces & Faces, and Joker Wild as well as specialty games and live dealers. The majority of online operators also offer sports betting, giving you the opportunity to punt on your favorite team from the same account. The age requirement applies to online gambling as well, meaning that you have to be 21 years to register an online casino account and play real money games in Greece. The country’s official currency is the Euro, and this is what you use to deposit and wager when playing online. It shouldn’t also go without mentioning that the legal websites are available in Greek hence you don’t have to worry about language and support.
Mobile Casinos in Greece
Playing casino games on the go should not be an issue if you are in Greece. All the legal websites in the country are designed to function optimally on mobile, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a seamless experience when you transition from PC to mobile. Digital statistics for the country reveal that there are about 15.83 million registered mobile devices in the country, accounting for 152% of the population. Of these, 78% are connected to 3G, 4G, 5G, and wireless broadband networks for internet access. Android devices dominate the smartphone market in Greece with Samsung, Xiaomi, and Huawei being the top brands. The market share for these brands is 32%, 24%, and 17%, respectively, while Apple registers the fourth-largest stake in the market at 12.51%. Popular smartphone models for gamblers in Greece include Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, Samsung Galaxy A10, Samsung Galaxy A7, Redmi Note 8, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Huawei P Smart. You can also invest in newer, high-end models like the Galaxy s20 series if you want to experience mobile gambling in all its glory. When playing at Greek smartphone and tablet casinos, it is very important that you choose a site that offers a wide range of mobile-friendly games so that you can be assured of the best experience. Generally, casinos that partner with top providers like Net Entertainment, Microgaming, and Betsoft should be able to offer a healthy selection of mobile-optimized games. You can find plenty of these sites in our exclusive list of the best mobile casinos for Greek players. The mobile casinos we recommend are not only packed with the best selection of exciting and rewarding game titles, but they are also fair, transparent, and secure. You can also count on these sites to offer massive welcome bonuses to new players, which is an excellent way to start your gambling adventure in style.
- Nr of Slots: 9000+ 🎰
- Payment Options: 35+
- Minimum Deposit: 1$
History of Gambling in Greece
The culture of playing gambling games is deeply rooted among the Greeks. Early records reveal that the people of ancient Greece enjoyed playing various gambling games like betting on animal fights, and there were special animals bred for that purpose. Ancient Greek authors like Homer have also mentioned games of luck like heads or tails and throwing dice in their texts. The practice also bears religious significance among the Greeks. An anecdote from ancient mythology tells of the gods Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon throwing dice to split the universe among them. This is how Zeus got to rule the heavens, Poseidon the seas, and Hades the underworld. It was also common practice for gamblers to pray to Hermes, who was considered the god of gambling, before playing games of luck. Nonetheless, wagering was widely perceived as a vice during ancient times, and those who visited gambling parlors were not regarded with respect. The rulers of Ancient Greece also made several efforts to protect the people from the negative effects of gambling by banning the activity. Gambling remained largely illegal until 1994 when the government passed law 2206/1994 to legalize land-based casinos. The law authorized nine casinos to operate in various Greek cities and islands. Legal gambling games under the Act included slot machines, blackjack, baccarat, punto banco, dice, and French and American roulette. The enactment of this law saw several casinos open up across the country. These include Regency Casino Thessaloniki (1996), Casino Syros in Ermoupoli (1997), Casino Rodos in Rhodes (1999). In 2002, the Greek government passed a controversial law banning all forms of electronic games, raising uncertainty over the legality of casino games like slot machines. The ban landed the country in trouble with the European Commission, and efforts to some clauses of the legislation did not work. The European Commission referred Greece to the European Court of Justice in February 2005, and the controversial legislation was eventually repealed in 2011 by Law No. 4002/2011. The legislation legalized online casinos and paved the way for 24 operators to apply for temporary permits. It also established the Hellenic Gaming Commission to issue permits, collect gambling taxes, and regulate operators. Other types of internet gambling games like online poker, sports betting, fantasy sports, lotteries, bingo, social gaming, and skill-based games were also legalized. The passage of this law saw several international brands enter the legal Greece market, transforming the sector into a multi-billion Euro industry. In 2019, licensed operators in Greece processed more than €16 billion worth of wagers and generated about €2.23 million in revenue. The Greek government is currently considering expanding the regulated market by introducing land-based casinos in popular tourism destinations like Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos. An integrated casino resort is also coming up at the abandoned Hellinikon Airport in Athens, and this will definitely drive more growth in the industry.
Are Casinos Legal in Greece?
As mentioned above, casino gaming is completely legal in Greece. The country legalized brick-and-mortar gambling houses in 1994, while online casinos were allowed in 2011. The main authority that regulates both land-based and online operators is the Hellenic Gaming Commission, which was established in 2011. The work of the Commission is to regulate and supervise licensees operating within the Greek territory. The Commission is also responsible for auditing games of chance to ensure that they are fair and random. To set up a casino in Greece, prospective licensees have to pay €3 million to the Commission to obtain a license. The initial permit is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed. Operators are also required to remit 35% of their gross gaming revenue to the government in taxes every month. If you are planning to visit a casino in Greece, you can expect to find all types of games including slot machines and live tables. The available table games include baccarat, punto banco, blackjack, French Roulette, American Roulette, Craps, Omaha, Texas Hold’em, 5 Card Stud Poker, and 7 Card Stud Poker. The minimum bet for all games of chance is €0.10 while the maximum €2.00. It is illegal for casinos to offer games at a lower cost or to allow patrons to bet on credit. The largest land casino in Greece currently is the Regency Casino Mont Parnes which sits on the slopes of Mount Parnitha in Athens. The facility features more than 700 slot machines, 52 table games, and 12 poker tables. The other casinos operating in the country are Regency Casino Thessaloniki, Club Hotel Casino Loutraki, Casino Rodos, Casino Syros, Casino Corfu, Casino Xanthi, Porto Rio Hotel & Casino in Patra, and Casino Porto Carras in Halkidiki. Gambling venues in the country do not charge an entry fee, but you must be at least 21 years to be admitted to the premises. When it comes to online wagering, Greek players have about 15 legal casino sites to choose from. These sites are available in the Greek language and they use the Euro as the main currency. You can find all sorts of gambling games including online slots, computerized table games, live casino games, and specialty games like keno, bingo, and scratchers on these platforms. Sports betting is also a common offering at Greece online casinos. In addition to the locally licensed websites, players from the country also have access to a vast range of real money gambling sites regulated in other jurisdictions. Although these offshore sites do not hold a permit from the Hellenic Gaming Commission, punters can still access them and place bets legally from various locations in Greece.
The Best Online Casino Games for Greek Players
Greek online casinos excel at offering a vast variety of gambling games that punters can play for real money. The websites partner with the leading software providers to ensure that their libraries are well stocked with enough titles to keep the players on their toes. Below is a list of the games you can expect to find at Greek online casinos:
Slots
Online slots make up a huge percentage of the games offered by online casinos in Greece. The variety of games offered ranges from classic titles with one or three pay lines to the latest video slots with advanced graphics and bonus features. Some of the best real money slots for Greek players include Gonzo’s Quest and Twin Spin by Net Entertainment, Buffalo Blitz by Playtech, Riche Wilde, and the Book of Dead by PlayN’ Go, Great Rhino Megaways by Pragmatic Play, and Vikings Go Berzerk by Yggdrasil. You can also play progressive jackpot slots like the Age of Gods, Mega Fortune, Mega Moolah, or Aztec Spin if you fancy the idea of winning a life-changing multi-Euro jackpot.
Poker
It is said that the game of poker was first played by the inhabitants of Crete during the Minoan civilization. 3,500 years later, the game is very popular among Greek players and it is a key offering at online casinos in the country. The available options include video poker titles like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Tens or Better, All American Poker, and Joker Poker to mention a few. You can also find interactive poker games like Pai Gow Poker, Casino Hold’em, Texas Hold’em, Caribbean Stud, and Omaha at most of the casinos.
Table Games
Casino enthusiasts in Greece are spoilt for choice when it comes to virtual table games. Examples of table games offered by the online casinos are blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. You can play different variations of these games in instant play mode against computer software or with live dealers and croupiers in the live casinos.
Live Casino
Live casino games are an excellent way to experience the thrill of real casino gaming without leaving the comfort of your home. All leading online and mobile casinos in Greece have a live dealer section where you can play against real-life dealers and croupiers and interact with other players. The action is streamed live in HD from top gaming studios like Evolution, Net Entertainment, and Playtech. Some of the games that you can enjoy in this format are Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, Live Baccarat, Live Hold’em, Live Dragon Tiger, Live Sic Bo, and Live Dream Catcher. You can pick one of our recommended casinos for Greek players if you’re looking for the best live casino experience. All these sites are mobile-friendly so you can enjoy the live dealer game of your choice on your Android, iOS, or Windows-powered smartphone or tablet.
How We Rate and Review the Best Online Casinos for Greek Players
Are you looking for an online casino site in Greece? Well, we’re more than pleased to let you know that your search for the top real-money gaming website for Greek players ends here. We have tested and thoroughly scrutinized all online casino sites operating in the country and rated them according to performance. You can find the best performing platforms in our list of recommended casinos for players in Greece. These are the websites that have passed our strict criteria and scored best with regard to:
Security
All featured websites in our list hold a valid SSL certificate to show that they are safe and secure. SSL encryption is essentially used to safeguard your credit card details, financial information, login details, and any communication between you and the casino from third-parties.
Licenses
We only feature websites with valid permits from the Hellenic Gaming Commission or other top regulators like the Malta Gambling Commission, Gibraltar Gambling Commission, Alderney Gambling Commission, and the UK Gambling Commission.
Software and games
We evaluate all leading online casinos in Greece to ensure they meet our criteria for top-quality software and games. The sites we recommend are powered by the best games providers like Playtech, Net Entertainment, Microgaming, Yggdrasil, PlayN’ Go, Evolution Gaming, and Red Tiger. This means that you can expect them to offer a vast variety of top-notch games with excellent graphics, audio, and visual effects. They also deliver with precision when it comes to reliability and fair gaming.
Customer support
You can rest assured that providing excellent and prompt support to players is a priority at the casinos we feature.
Language
Online casinos licensed by the Hellenic Gaming Commission have Greek as the primary language, and you can easily identify them using the .gr domain. For offshore websites, the primary language is English, but you can use Google translation tools to translate the pages to Greek.
Payment options
The Greek casinos on this website support native payment options like Viva Wallet, IRIS online payments, and TWIGA wallet. International payment methods like MasterCard, Visa, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard, and Maestro are also available.
Bonuses and promotions
Our evaluation process takes into account the variety of promotions run by the leading operators in Greece. The casinos we have featured have an excellent welcome or sign up bonuses for new players, and a majority of them can give you more than €100 in extra funds when you make your initial deposit.· Fast payouts: The best Greek online casinos facilitate fast withdrawals to popular e-wallets and cards. Generally, a reliable site should be able to process payment requests and disburse funds to your account within 24 to 48 hours.
FAQ
📌 What is the Legal Status of Online Casinos in Greece?
Online casinos have been legal in Greece since 2011. Greek players can also play other gambling games like poker, bingo, and sports betting legally on the internet.
📌 Who Licenses Online Casinos in the Country?
Greek online casinos are licensed and regulated by the Hellenic Gaming Commission. However, the offshore casinos operating the country are licensed and regulated by the authorities in their respective jurisdictions.
📌 Are Greece Online Casinos Safe?
Yes. All websites recommended by us are encrypted using cutting-edge SSL technology to protect your personal and financial details during transmission.
📌 Are there Online Casino Bonuses for Greek Players?
Yes. All Greek-focussed casinos on our list have a variety of bonuses for players. Some of the available offers include: · Welcome bonuses: These are offers for new players. The majority of the welcome bonuses are in the form of match bonuses on the first deposit. · Reload promos: some online casinos in Greece reward you with free spins or free money when you fund your account on specified days. · Free spins: Greek players can enjoy free spins on specified slots when they sign up with a new casino or load their casino account. · Loyalty rewards: Loyalty rewards allow existing players to earn comp points and other benefits when they deposit and stake real money.
📌 Can I Play Online Casino Games on Mobile?
Yes. You can play online casino games of your choice straight from the browser of your mobile device without downloading. Compatible devices include iPhone, iPad, Windows devices, and Android Smartphones and tablets.
📌 What are the Best Online Casino Games for Greek Players?
The answer to this question largely depends on your taste. All online casinos in the country are packed with games of different genres like slots, Blackjack, Video Poker, Baccarat, Roulette, Sic Bo, Craps, and Hold’em Poker.
📌 Can I play casino games for fun?
Yes. The majority of games featured on Greek online casinos are available in demo mode for those who want to play for fun.
📌 Can I Win Real Money when Playing Online Casino Games?
Yes. You can win real cash when playing at Greek online casinos and the operators will pay your winnings to the last penny.
📌 Do Greek Players Pay Taxes on Casino Winnings?
Yes. The Greek government requires players to pay a 15% tax on winnings between €100 and €500. Winnings above €500 attract a 20% tax. The tax is automatically deducted from your winnings by the casino so you will just receive your net profit. You don’t have to pay any taxes if you win less than €100.
📌 How Do I Withdraw Winnings from Online Casinos in Greece?
The process of withdrawing your winnings from an online casino in Greece is simple and straightforward. Once you have the minimum withdrawable balance in your account, just head to the cashier and select the withdraw option. Select your payment method and enter the amount you wish to withdraw. You can then submit your withdrawal request and wait for the casino to process it. The cash is sent to your account immediately after approval. *Kindly note that you will be required to submit your identification documents on your first withdrawal.
📌 What are the Available Payment Methods at Greek Online Casinos?
Online casino players in Greece can fund their accounts using Viva Walletwallet, Skrill, Paysafecard, Neteller, IRIS online payments, TWIGA, Maestro, Diners Club, Bank Transfer, MasterCard, and Visa.
📌 How Do I Start Playing Online Casino Games in Greece
You can start playing real money games at Greece online casinos in three easy steps. · Choose a top-rated and reputable Greek online casino from our list of recommended casinos · Complete the registration process
List of Online Casinos with Greece
| Rank | Casino | Bonus | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VBET | $500 | 7 |
| 2 | Gaming Club | $350 | 7.12 |
| 3 | Jackpot City | $1600 | 8.74 |
| 4 | Play Grand | $300 | 8 |
| 5 | Energy Casino | $200 | 8 |
| 6 | All Slots | €1500 | 7.71 |
| 7 | Fun Casino | $500 | 8 |
| 8 | Yako Casino | $333 | 8 |
| 9 | Cherry Casino | $500 | 8 |
| 10 | Play Million | $200 | 8 |