Greece licence applications due in today
Several operators hint they will not apply.
Today sees the deadline for operators seeking to apply for an egaming licence in the newly regulating Greek market.
Those applying for a licence in the EU member state will be required to pay back-taxes for the 2010 and 2011 financial years, amounting to 30% of gross profits from Greek players, however eGaming Review understands that a number of large operators have declined to apply.
A source close to the matter has revealed that only four operators have received an interim licence to date: Goldbet.com, Championsbet.net, Casinostar777.com and a fourth unnamed operator. At the moment this essentially covers a commitment to pay the back-taxes.
Greece’s legislation was initially approved in August 2011, despite firms including Betfair complaining that it was incompatible with EU law.
Lobby group the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has since issued complaints of its own around state aid issues and on the grounds that it considered the legislation anti-competitive, and was joined in the latter complaint by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).
eGaming Review anticipates a further challenge from the RGA, although this is yet to materialise at the time of writing
Meanwhile, the Greek lottery tender progressed to its second stage earlier this month, with three parties “ Austrian Lotteries, a consortium led by Sisal, and a further consortium comprising OPAP, Lottomatica, Intralot and Scientific Games “ all remaining in contention.