Greek Gambling Legislation Removes Black Period

The previous draft of Greece’s online gambling legislation included the requirement for a black period. This would have meant that all operators that wish to obtain a license in the country’s online gambling industry would have to cease all operation during the application process. Many critics voiced their disapproval of this regulation and the government has decided to remove it from its more recent draft of the gambling bill.

However, the government did so quietly. Normally, when amendments are made to online gambling bills, they are done so publically. However, politicians in Greece simply removed the black period regulation from the legislation hoping that no one would notice.

The new legislation also presents lower financial requirements for all operators hoping to enter the Greek online gambling market. This means that all types of operators can apply for licenses, including local operators. A former concern was that the old requirements would cut out smaller, local operators, but the new legislation seems to include everyone. This will create a much more healthy environment when it comes to competition, as bigger operators are not favoured over local companies.