A complaint was filed with the European Commission recently by the Remote Gaming Association and the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) stating that the gambling laws adopted by the Greek legislation are not in line with the EU laws.

Laws governing online gambling in Greece have not been encouraging for foreign firms that want to operate in the country. The provisions of the recently adopted gambling laws in the country will make it even more difficult for foreign firms to compete with the local companies.

Greek Online Gambling Laws Described as Unjustified and Anti-Competitive

The online gambling policies adopted by the Greek legislation have been described as anti competitive and unreasonable. The European Commission replied to the complaint against Greece stating that the newly adopted internet gambling policies are not compliant with the EU laws. The regime places unnecessary restrictions on foreign companies trying to compete in the Greek market. The new operators in the Greek market will be subject to unreasonable pressure if the laws are implemented.

New Gambling Firms Required to have Permanent Establishments in Greece

The laws state that the new gambling firms in Greece should have permanent establishments in the country. It has also been stated by the Greek legislation that foreign operators have to restrict their transactions to the credit groups and financial institutions of Greece. Another unfair term of the legislation is that foreign operators have to pay taxes to the government for the revenues earned from Greek customers since 2025 January.

Clive Hawkswood says the European Commission will Take the Necessary Decision in This Regard

Clive Hawkswood, Remote Gambling Association's Chief Executive, said that the opening of the Greek market for online gambling has been highly appreciated in the industry. It is important that the new regimes are operated in a transparent and fair manner. However, the new Greek online gambling laws are at odds with the standards set by the European Commission, which is considered as the guardian of all legislations. The Commission is expected to make the necessary decisions in this regard.

EGBA's general secretary, Sigrid Ligne said that Barner (the secretary of the European Parliament) mentioned in the recent past that he will assess whether the gambling regimes adopted by the member states are in line with the EU law. If Greece is allowed to proceed with its current form of legislation, then it will be a failure on the part of the Parliament to carry out its responsibility. However, it is expected that the Commission will respond to the complaints filed against Greece and take appropriate actions soon.

If the new online gambling laws adopted by the Greek Government are implemented, the foreign firms offering online roulette and other games will be affected significantly.

The European Union's executive body is called the European Commission (EU). It proposes legislations, implements them and also upholds the Union's treaties. The European Commission operates with a total of 27 commissioners – 1 from every member state. The commissioners represent the nation's interests as a whole rather than the individual states.