Gaming Law · Operator & Betting Licensing

Gaming Operator
& Betting Licensing.

We support online betting and gaming operators through the licensing procedure before the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), and in preparing the corporate, regulatory and contractual infrastructure required to operate in Greece. That support extends to the obligations that follow the grant of the licence.

HGCLicensing Regulator
L.4635/2019Licensing Framework
B2COperator Licence
2002Firm Founded
Assessing the Model & the Licence
We assess your business model and the applicable Greek regulatory framework, establishing whether a licence is required and which one, and what key conditions have to be met in order to operate in Greece.
Licence Application & Corporate Structure
We support the preparation of the licence file and examine the corporate and ownership structure in parallel, so that the elements of the application meet the requirements of the regulatory framework.
AML, Player Protection & Regulatory Compliance
Legal support on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements, player protection and the other obligations that attach to operating as a licensed operator.
Planning to operate in the Greek market?
Tell us about your business model and the activity you are planning.
Request Consultation
Overview Scope of Service Experience

Gaming Law · Operator & Betting Licensing

An operator licence in Greece requires
preparation before the application.

Operating in the Greek online betting and gaming market is subject to a dedicated regulatory framework and is supervised by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). The HGC grants licences for online betting (Type 1) and for other online games such as RNG casino, live casino and poker (Type 2). For an operator considering entry into the Greek market, licensing does not begin with the filing of the application. It is preceded by an assessment of the business model, the corporate and ownership structure, the individuals involved and the regulatory requirements that have to be met.

We advise betting and gaming operators on every legal aspect of HGC licensing and of ongoing regulatory compliance in Greece. In parallel we examine the requirements attaching to the operator's activity, such as player protection, anti-money laundering, data protection and the technical requirements of the regulatory framework. The HGC's rules include requirements on protecting players' identity, on data protection and on the operation of licence holders' central information system.

Once the licence is granted, the operator has to continue operating in accordance with its terms and with the applicable regulatory framework. For that reason, we consider at the application stage how those requirements connect to the corporate structure, the systems, the contracts and the procedures the business will use.

We work with operators on their corporate structure, on the preparation and filing of the licence application and on meeting the HGC's principal regulatory requirements. We examine the structure of the business from the outset, so that the issues capable of affecting the licence are identified in good time.

Who We Act For
Online gaming operators
International and domestic online betting, casino and gaming operators applying for or holding an HGC online gaming licence for the Greek market.
Who We Act For
Operators Entering the Greek Market
Operators already licensed or active in another jurisdiction who are considering entry into the Greek market and need their corporate structure and licensing requirements assessed.
Who We Act For
Groups
Corporate groups reviewing their ownership structure, shareholding and corporate governance ahead of the licensing procedure.
The Regulator
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC)
The HGC is the competent Greek regulator for the supervision and control of the gaming market, including the licensing and supervision of online operators.

Scope of Service

From licensing strategy
to ongoing regulatory compliance.

The licensing procedure
We assess your business model and establish the appropriate licensing route for your activity in Greece, together with the key issues that have to be addressed before the application is filed
Business ModelHGCLicensing
01
Regulatory Opinions
We provide legal opinions on the Greek licensing framework and on the requirements that apply to the particular activity, product and corporate structure of the operator.
Legal OpinionsHGC FrameworkGreek Law
02
Preparing the Licence File
Preparing and reviewing the operator licence application and the supporting file for submission to the Hellenic Gaming Commission.
ApplicationDocumentationFiling with the HGC
03
Corporate & Ownership Structure
We examine the operator's corporate and ownership structure and provide legal support on the fit-and-proper requirements and the other criteria attaching to the licence.
StructureDue DiligenceCapital Adequacy
04
AML & Player Protection Policies
Drafting and reviewing policies and procedures on anti-money laundering and player protection, in line with the requirements that apply to a licensed operator.
AMLPoliciesPlayer Protection
05
Technical Requirements & Certification
Legal support on the technical requirements attaching to the licence and coordination, where required, with technical providers and the bodies responsible for the certification process.
CertificationTechnical SystemsHGC Approval
06
Regulatory Compliance & Communication with the HGC
Support, where requested, on specific questions arising after the licence is granted, including regulatory queries, reporting requirements and communication with the HGC.
GDPRReportingCompliance
07
Licence Renewal & Variation
Legal support on licence renewal or variation procedures and on changes to the corporate structure, the ownership or the activity that require assessment by the HGC.
Ongoing SupportRenewalRegulatory Updates
08

Why Pantazis & Associates

Regulatory, commercial and technology law —
combined for a sector that spans all three.

We combine deep expertise in regulatory, commercial and technology law with practical experience advising operators in highly regulated sectors. We work closely with clients to structure and maintain a licensed operation that satisfies the HGC while supporting their commercial objectives.

Market Entry · Online Operators
Advising international online operators on entry into the Greek market
Advising international online betting and gaming operators on the licensing procedure, the corporate structure and the application steps required to enter the Greek market.
AML · Player Protection
Ongoing compliance support as the HGC framework develops
Designing and reviewing AML and responsible gaming frameworks to the standard the HGC requires of a licensed operator.
Ongoing · Regulatory Change
Ongoing compliance support as the HGC framework evolves
Ongoing regulatory support for licensed operators as the HGC's requirements, reporting obligations and guidance develop.

Planning to operate or expand in Greece?

If you are considering obtaining an HGC online betting or gaming operator licence, or expanding an existing activity into the Greek market, our team can guide you through every stage of the process.