Best 10 eSports Bookmakers in Greece 2022 🇬🇷

History of esports betting in Greece

Esports betting in Greece, in a way, has always been legal. However, there have been differing opinions about the legality of sports betting in Greece. There is archaeological evidence that the Greeks began betting during the commencing period of the ancient Olympic Games. This was sometime around 800-700 BC. When the popularity of sports betting became obvious, the culture spread forward even during the first Olympic Games as they are known today.

During the demise of the Roman Empire, gambling was frowned upon. The main reason for this was the spread of Christianity. Religious superstitions cast a dark cloud on the gambling outcomes.

This did not stop the Greeks from betting on their favorite sports despite all the negativity. This period was referred to as the Dark Age. There was a huge wealth gap that made sports betting a difficult prospect for poor people. This made gambling a pastime activity for wealthy individuals.

The ancient Greeks enjoyed gambling in almost every aspect of their daily lives. They made use of dice. They played as a rebellion tactic to combat the illegality of gambling. Citizens even competed against each other in contests that involved wagers. These contests, however, were merely for fame and glory.

Esports nowadays in Greece

Having received two financial bailouts from the European Union, the government has had to make changes to the gambling regulations. The initial steps towards regulating online esports betting in Greece began in 2011.

These steps were initiated with the implementation of Law 4002/2011 and the Remote Gambling Act. The government granted temporary licenses to operators. These licenses varied in terms of validity periods. The validity periods ranged between 5 years to 24 years. The Hellenic Gaming Commission also produced its first blacklist that contained domains of illegal esports betting sites in 2011.

The Greek government has been accused of corruption and violating the European Union directives for the last 10 years. Esports betting sites backed by the European Union Top Court have accused the Greek government of violating these directives. This has made esports betting in Greece a controversial topic.

Future of esports betting in Greece

Following the growth of esports betting online in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic, the online sports betting market is expected to have an annual turnover of more than €1 billion by 2024. Statistics show that esports betting in Greece is the fastest growing market globally.

The penetration market shares were projected at 36 percent of the gambling industry in Greece. However, due to its popularity, the market shares are estimated to match the market share of 40 percent. This is the average market share of the whole European Union.

During the pandemic, esports continued as many conventional sports were halted. Bettors took interest in these sports, as did bookmakers sites. Games like FIFA, PES, Fortnite, and Call of Duty made a big headway. This popularity persisted even as other sports resumed. As popularity grows, esports appears to be the betting option of the future in Greece.

Recent government gambling regulations are expected to affect the local players in the market. This is due to the increase in taxation rates on players. Players are now subject to a 35 percent tax bill. The government has also applied strict measures such as winning limitations and knowing your customer procedures. With these strict measures, the Greek esports betting market is bound to see a shift of their players to international non-licensed online sports betting sites.

Current and likely changes in law

With this shift in the market, it is difficult to say whether foreign esports betting sites Greece would choose to return. This is in the instance the government regulations and restrictions on esports bookies operators and players were reviewed or lifted.

The Greek government, in 2016, hinted that it would be opening up the online sports betting market to foreign investors. The issuance of approximately 15 online sports betting licenses in 2021 might be the positive shift this great market needs to further its growth legally.

Changes in Greece esports betting

As recently as 2020, online sports betting in Greece became free and fair to all participants, players, and operators alike. The best esports betting sites Greece have the freedom to apply for gambling licenses from the government, at a fee, of course. For online sports betting operators (who also offer esports betting markets) to operate legally, the license fee is $3.5 million.

The validity of the licenses is 7 years, after which a renewal is required. The Greek Organization of Football Prognostics S.A is the Greek gaming body instituted by the government to follow up on all the regularities and irregularities that occur in the gambling and betting industry. The gaming commission created a gambling tax for all types of gambling in Greece at 35% on all online sports betting and casino operators. The Greek players are also taxed on their winnings.

Are casinos legal in Greece?

Currently, casino gambling in the country's territory is mainly focused on tourists. This is primarily because the gambling industry is an important sector of the local economy. However, the Greek government has set different parameters when it comes to the online sports betting industry. This is because of the increased popularity of this web-based gambling industry.

However, despite the prosperity of Greece and the high number of tourists, the country still has very few brick-and-mortar casinos. Greece only has nine standard casinos. Slot halls are numerous. These slot halls are smaller than casinos as they only have slot machines. The high gambling taxes, restrictions, and other government legislation are the reason for the small number of casinos in Greece.

Esports legislation in Greece

The government's attitude towards online sports betting is very strict. This mainly is to try to prevent people from developing gambling addictions. Online sports betting is, however, legal in Greece. The most significant gambling legislation in Greece was enforced in 1996.

With the popularity of esports bookies, the Greek government passed a law that included these esports betting sites Greece. It is still not easy to access the Greek market as an online sports betting operator due to the high taxes.

On the brighter side, the Hellenic Gaming Commission is free to offer licensing to any esports betting operator. This comes with a stipulation. Online sports betting licenses are only granted to legal operators. These operators should have registered offices or permanent residence in Greece or any country in the European Union.

Important legal acts and policies

To date, everything related to local gambling activities is under Law 4002/2011. Under this law, provisions set the rules and conditions for which all gaming and gambling services are allowed to be offered in Greece. The same laws that control traditional sports betting apply to esport betting.

According to Law 4002/2011, the monitoring, supervision, and control of Greek territory are carried out by an independent administrative authority. This authority is called the Hellenic Gaming Commission.

Land-based casinos are subject to Law 2206/1994. This law states that there is no legal definition of gambling. This shows that casinos are somewhat legal in Greece, as they offer services that fall under the game of chance category.
Law 3037/2002 criminalizes gambling outside of casinos. Under this law, the Greek government officially banned all types of electronic games. It also goes ahead to ban these electronic games in both public and private places as long as they are in the territory of Greece.

Greek players' favorite games

The Greek esports market involves a variety of exciting games. This is evident from the number of markets available on Greek esports betting platforms. Even with the huge variety, there are some esports that rank above others in popularity among players in Greece. Some of the Greeks' favorite games include:

FIFA football game series

In this eSports game, players participate in individual competitions using computers and consoles. The gaming operators organize massive virtual football tournaments that incorporate many international football leagues. Since Greek eSports betting fans are major football fans, FIFA football is the most popular game among punters too.

Dota 2

This is an online battle arena eSports game. It is a favorite amongst the Greeks for its exclusive in-game cosmetics and great bonuses. Compared to other eSports games, Dota 2 has the highest rates in terms of prize winnings. Players participate as teams in both local and international tournaments.

Other esports populars

Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Counter-Strike: Global offensive are also loved. The popularity of betting titles varies depending on which game has ongoing global competitions.

Payment methods in Greece

When using the best esports betting sites, it is very easy to deposit or withdraw funds in Greece. The Greek gambling market has both popular local and international payment methods available to the players. Some of these payment options include:

Viva Wallet

This e-payment method is great for its versatility. It allows its users to do more than just basic transactions. Being a cloud-based bank, it has physical branches across Europe that help businesses and individual users create payment systems. It is also allowed as a payment option in Greek online sports betting sites. However, this payment option is not featured in non-licensed online sports betting sites.

Credit and Debit Cards

The best esports betting sites in Greece accept deposits via credit or debit cards. This is a very popular payment method for many esports betting players. These cards are easy to use. They also offer transaction reversals if card users sense fraud has been committed.

Neteller

Neteller prides itself on the efficiency of international payments. The website has a simple, user-friendly interface that many users find easy to use. This company allows its users to make deposits in online sports betting sites in Greece and internationally.

Skrill

This e-payment option allows users to make quick and easy transactions once they are logged on to the account. With the growth of cryptocurrency payments in online sports betting, Skrill allows its users to purchase cryptocurrencies and even make other digital payments to esports betting Greece platforms worldwide.

FAQs

What is the legal age to participate in online esports betting?

Legally, a player must be at least 21 years old to participate in esports betting. Compared to other European countries, this is to some degree older as players can participate in online sports betting from the age of 18.

Are free bets offered on Greek esports betting sites?

Yes. Players can find free bets on some of the best esports betting sites. It is, however, key to note that most esports betting fans prefer international esports betting Greece sites. A wider choice of free bets and other promotions is the main reason.

Are esports betting players Greece taxed?

Yes. Players are taxed. However, it depends on where the bets are placed and how much they win. According to the Greece gambling laws, any winnings up to $100 are tax-free. Winnings of $100-$500 incur a 15 percent tax. Any winning above $500 incur a 20 percent tax bill.

Is online esports betting in Greece legal?

Yes. Sports betting in Greece is entirely legal. Since 2011, the industry has been subject to regulations under Law 4002/2011. All the best esports betting sites Greece operators are required to acquire a domestic operating license. This license is valid for a period of 7 years.

Where are the blacklisted domains found?

Since the publishing of the blacklist domains by HGC, players can find the latest version of the blacklisted Greece betting sites on the official HGC website.

Most Popular eSports Bookies in Greece