Reform is the Word: Greece is Imposing Comprehensive Regulation Guidelines in New Legislation

Greece is moving forward with protective measures that include a three second spin limits.

New Limits

The limit on online random number generator RNG games of a three second spin limit and a ban on advertising RNG games off of operator sites distinguish secondary legislation the Greek government published for reforming gambling laws.

RNG Guidelines

The new rules published in Greece's official Gazette call for online RNG games such as slots to maintain stake limit maximums of €2; three-second minimum spins and limiting of advertising for random number games to the provider's website.

Adapting to Interests

These harsher requirements remain a concession, with opponents originally seeking in initial gambling reform bills to ban RNG games entirely.

The measure for outright removal was only removed in an October 2019 bill passed in the Greek Parliament which was subsequently submitted to the European Commission in January at the time when operators sought to challenge the laws.

Final Compromise

The final version looks to impose the tighter restrictions of €2 spin limit and a €5,000 maximum prize per gaming session, as well as a €70,000 prize limit.

More About Ad Ban

The advertising slot ban prevents players from starting new game cycles, such as a new slot or roulette spin, within three seconds of the previous cycle. Poker remains exempted from the rule.

Affiliate Registration License

Further new requirements include the provision that affiliates sign a “cooperation agreement” with licensees detailing the method of calculation and the manner and time of fees paid to the affiliates. All agreements must be notified to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP).

Social Media

Social media advertising will only be permitted to those over 21. The responsibility falls squarely on advertisers to avoid targeting minors, including characters appearing to be minors, during programming or on websites, and to avoid normalizing the activity of gambling in the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Outlook

More specific definitions of acceptable advertising, further limit settings for online players in the area of deposit, loss and time limits are reportedly just the beginning of stringent guidelines for protecting players in Greece, with a slew of fines and a penalty system undoubtedly forthcoming to enforce it.