A significant increase in the number of casinos in Greece has been observed over the last decade. The Greek casinos are trying their best, like other segments of the tourism industry in Greece, to attract players all year round and not only during the popular summer vacation.
As part of this effort, the Greek casinos are following the model of Las Vegas. They tend to form a part of the large hotels/resorts, offering luxurious conditions of accommodation, recreation, sporting attractions, and show performances.
Casino marketing mainly aims to attract foreign tourists. However, card games are extremely popular in Greek culture, and thousands of gambling houses across the country are not considered casinos but allow gamblers to play cards.
Ancient Greece
Gambling in Greece has a long history that dates back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks were true gamblers and believed in the divine origin of the games.
For example, Greek mythology has a legend in which Zeus and his brothers Poseidon and Hades threw the dice after their victory over the Titans to decide who would get one or the other part of the world. Zeus won Olympus, Poseidon got the ocean, and Hades was selected to rule the underworld.
This grading is not so important. What is most interesting is that the power over the world was shared with the help of dice.
An interesting legend also explains the origin of gambling and casinos. Once upon a time, Tyche, a goddess of fortune, was walking in shady groves of Olympus, and Zeus (a young playboy and dandy) seduced her. These relationships led to the birth of a girl who enjoyed inventing different games whose outcome depended only on luck. She happily gazed at the quarrels that arose between the players and persuaded frustrated losers to commit suicide. Indulging her cruel daughter, Tyche gave her houses with eternal lamps near their thresholds.
Apart from mythology, real historical personalities have mentioned gambling. For example, the poem Odyssey, attributed to Homer, tells how Palamedes offered to play the dice to entertain Greek soldiers who got bored while waiting at the siege of Troy. A Greek historian, Plutarch, mentioned the Persian queen Parisatis, who was fond of the dice.
The dice were brought to Greece from Asia and were popular among all social classes. Special establishments designed for gambling are the ancestors of modern casinos. However, most Greek legislators had a negative attitude toward gambling, considering this kind of entertainment a challenge to public morals that undermined the foundations of statehood. The punishment for addictive gamblers, regardless of their social position, was slavery.
Legal Regulation
Modern Greece has created conditions for tourism associated with gambling and regulates the gambling market through the competent authorities. Greece's attitude toward gambling is rigorous. The government policy intends to prevent people from addictive gambling.
According to Greek legislation, gambling is allowed only in casinos. All types of betting and gambling outside casinos are strictly prohibited. Criminal liability is provided for violation of local laws.
The first casino in Greece opened in 1928 in the region of Loutraki. Nine legal casinos are now available in the country. The Hellenic Gaming Commission, established on December 20, 2011, regulates casino activities in Greece.
The range of its activities was determined In October 2013: licensing, supervision, and control of land-based casinos in the country. The Hellenic Gaming Commission includes eight members and a chairman elected for five years. The first licenses were issued in 1994.
Three casinos (Casino Mont Parnes, Casino Corfu, and Casino Rodos) obtained them. Greece has no monopoly: all casinos are owned by a few operators. Regency Casino is The biggest of them, including Casino Mont Parnes and Regency Casino Thessaloniki.
The Greek government adopted a controversial Law 3037/2002 in 2002, which banned electronic games in all public places. This law was repealed only in August 2011.
The new law established the principles of responsible gambling and provided the so-called individual Player Cards necessary to gamble legally in Greece. To play at casinos, Greeks must be 21 years old.
Where, When, and What to Play in Greek Casinos?
Nine licensed casinos are currently available in Greece. They are located on the mainland and on the Greek islands of Rhodes, Syros, and Corfu.
- Most casinos are open from Monday to Sunday, 24 hours per day.
- They offer all the popular games, such as roulette, blackjack, video poker, punto banco, baccarat, and slot machines.
- They also hold poker tournaments.
- The dress code in most Greek casinos is smart casual, but do not try to get inside in swimwear.
Club Hotel Casino Loutraki
Casino Loutraki is the first casino in Greece. It is located in the resort complex of the same name in Agioi Theodoroi. This is one of the largest casinos in Europe, which can also boast spas and conference halls.In addition, gamblers can enjoy the attractions of this area, such as the Corinth Canal, the Ethnographic Museum of Corinth, and the Temple of Apollo.
Regency Casino Thessaloniki
This is the most popular casino in Greece. It has been operating since 1996 and is located in Thessaloniki, the northern capital. The casino is situated near the Macedonian airport and is a 20-minute drive from the city's main attractions.
The casino building is admired for its rich decoration. It offers 893 slot machines and 66 table games. Club Regency's high rollers can access a private room with 18 slot machines and 14 table games.
Casino Rodos
Casino Rodos is famous for its unique ancient architecture and interior design. It fully conveys the atmosphere of the old city center and is located on the territory of the luxurious Grande Albergo delle Rose Boutique Hotel. It has everything to entertain players: slot machines, numerous poker tables, roulette and other games.
This casino has a dress code: smart casual until 7 p.m. and only evening dresses, suits, or tuxedos after 7 p.m.
Kerkira Casino
One of the first casinos in Greece is located in Corfu, the capital of the island of Kerkira. It was the first casino in Greece to return to roulette in 1962. Now, it is located in the Corfu Holiday Palace Hotel.
Until the late eighties of the 20th century, it was located in the palace of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, the legendary Princess Sisi. The restaurant is open from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. for visitors over 23 years of age.
Hotel Casino Xanthi
This casino is located in the forest area of Lefkos Pyrgos in the north-western part of Xanthi.
The architecture of the two-story building (2,200 m2) corresponds to the grandeur of the towering trees surrounding it, creating a unique space that fascinates visitors from the first moment. The Greeks have a joke that it is the only casino that operates for the state since all other establishments are either private or privatized.
Customers can play American roulette, blackjack, stud poker and slot machines in this casino.
Casino Porto Carras
The first private casino in Greece, Porto Carras, is in the Porto Carras Sithonia Hotel, a real gem of Halkidiki. It has 425 slot machines, 17 roulette tables, 13 blackjack tables, and five poker tables.
In addition, there is a VIP room for high rollers, which contains three blackjack tables, five roulette tables, and one poker table. The interior design is carefully elaborated in an authentic New Orleans style. A snack bar with drinks is also available.
Porto Rio Hotel & Casino
This casino operates in a famous hotel within a 10-minute drive of the center of Patra. The complex is situated on a beautiful beach in Rio, in lush green gardens on 35,000 square meters in front of the Venetian castle.
Rio Casino offers traditional board games like blackjack, roulette, and 279 slot machines. Poker fans are provided with Texas Hold 'em poker tables. Since this casino is open 24 hours a day, visitors can play slot machines at any time of the day or night.
Casino Syros
Cazino Syros is located in the town of Ermoupoli. This is a relatively new casino, having started operations in April 1997. However, it occupies the former Europe Hotel, which was built in 1830.
The building was restored with all its historical and Cycladic elements; now, it is a real pearl. Casino Syros has 26 tables for the most popular games, roulette, blackjack, stud poker, and 185 slot machines.
Regency Casino Mont Parnes
Regency Mont Parnes Casino Resort is located in Mont Parnes, only 17 kilometers from the center of Athens. This casino and hotel complex is one of the most exclusive and idyllic places in the Attica region. It has more than forty years of history.
It was the first casino opened in Greece. Regency Entertainment SA purchased the complex and made many improvements and renovations, expanding the total area to 18,000 m2. Nowadays, it is a casino of the highest international standards.
There are 16 blackjack tables, 32 roulette tables, two punto banco tables, two poker tables, and over 700 slot machines.
Casino and hotel complex customers can relax and enjoy Club Olympus's services. In addition, there are 1,200-square-meter indoor and outdoor pools and a pool for children.
Internet Gambling in Greece
Although Greek legislation does not prohibit gambling operators from obtaining licenses for online casinos operating in Greece, OPAP has a monopoly in the field of online gambling. However, gamblers from Greece can use the offers of various foreign operators who adapt their sites for Greek users. One hundred eighteen online casinos offer games in English or Greek and allow betting in euros or US dollars.
The Greek government adopted a 2002 law banning all electronic games. However, the law of 2011 moderately regulated this ban, allowing operators to license online gambling games.
The Greek state gambling company calP will have a monopoly on providing online games until 2030. However ac, according to the European Court's resolution, the monopoly granted to OPAP is incompatible with the legislation.
Thus, the law in Greece should be changed under the European Union's requirements, and Greece will be forced to open its market to other companies.
Interesting Facts about Greek Gambling
The rich history of Casino Rodos
Casino Rodos is a very popular and impressive casino in Greece. Before the foundation, the hotel flourished in this building, which opened on May 24, 1927. Several prominent personalities worldwide, including Winston Churchill, Aristotle Onassis, and George Papandreou, lived there.
The hotel witnessed numerous historic events, such as the treaty signing that created the state of Israel in 1948.
Casino Loutraki is recognized as the most environmentally friendly club.
Club Hotel Casino Loutraki was awarded a Green Key in 2103 by the Foundation for Environmental Education for its active participation in environmental protection. The casino was rewarded for developing a plan to continuously improve its environment.
The measures are intended to reduce water consumption, efficiently use waste products, and distribute information about environmental protection among employees and visitors.
Conclusion
Gambling in Greece presents a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern regulations. From the legendary tales of gods rolling dice to determine the world's fate to the contemporary casinos offering luxurious entertainment experiences, Greece's relationship with games of chance is deeply ingrained in its culture.
While the government maintains a cautious approach, prioritizing responsible gambling and aiming to prevent addiction, the industry continues to evolve. The ongoing adjustments to online gambling regulations, driven by EU mandates, signal a potential shift in the market.
Despite the regulatory complexities, Greek casinos' allure, with their unique blend of history, entertainment, and luxury, continues to draw visitors seeking excitement and a taste of Greek hospitality.
