Relevant Legislation
The rules governing player exclusion and temporary time-out measures in gambling activities are set out in the following legislative and regulatory instruments:
1)
2) Όσον αφορά στα τυχερά παίγνια που διεξάγονται μέσω Παιγνιομηχανημάτων τύπου Video Lottery Terminal (OPAP PLAY– VLTS), από την υπ’ αριθμ. 79314 EX 2020 (Government Gazette B’ 3263) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Gaming Regulation for the Conduct of Gambling Activities through Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).”
3) With regard to gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments, the relevant provisions are set out in 303/5/27.02.2018 (Government Gazette B’ 1025) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Amendment and Codification of Ministerial Decision No. T/6736/2003 (Government Gazette B’ 929) of the Minister of Development, entitled ‘Regulation on the Administrative Control and Supervision of Casino Operations’.
For all other gambling activities conducted anonymously (i.e. where no identity verification is performed and the player’s details are not identified), no self-exclusion mechanism is provided.
Self-Excluded Player
is a player who is not permitted to participate in gambling activities following:
their own initiative (self-exclusion);
a request submitted by their court-appointed guardian or legal representative to the persons or entities organising and/or conducting the gambling activities;
a court decision; or
a reasoned decision by the persons or entities organising and/or conducting the gambling activities. (Point (ist) of Article 25 of Law 4002/2011, Government Gazette A’ 180)
For land-based casino gaming only, an exclusion declaration may also be submitted by any first-degree relative (children or parents) or by the player’s spouse. For each individual, first-degree relatives and spouses may submit exclusion declarations in relation to land-based casinos no more than two times in total.
Types of Exclusion and Temporary Suspension
Indefinite Self-Exclusion from online gambling, Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY-VLTs), and land-based Casino gambling:
If a player requests an indefinite self-exclusion from online gambling activities or Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY-VLTs), the License Holder is required to immediately deactivate and place the Player Account (for online gambling) or the Individual Player Card (for OPAP PLAY-VLTs) in “Closed” status and terminate the contractual relationship. An indefinite self-exclusion is not lifted automatically. The Player Account or Individual Player Card may only be reactivated at the player’s request, provided that at least one (1) year has elapsed from the date of exclusion, a new Participation Agreement has been entered into, and all legally required procedures have been completed.
For land-based casinos, the exclusion remains in force for a mandatory period of six (6) months from the date the declaration is submitted. It is not lifted automatically and may only be revoked following a request by the excluded person, regardless of whether the exclusion was initiated by the player, a first-degree relative, or the player’s spouse.
2.Temporary Self-Exclusion from Online Gambling and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs)
The duration of a temporary self-exclusion is determined by the player and must be for a minimum period of one (1) month. The License Holder is required to immediately block the Player Account / Individual Player Card and maintain that status for the entire duration of the temporary self-exclusion period. The restriction is automatically lifted when the period specified by the player expires.
Temporary self-exclusion is not available for gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments.
3α. Twenty-Four (24)-Hour Temporary Time-Out from Online Gambling
The License Holder must provide players with the option to take a temporary break from participating in gambling activities for a period of twenty-four (24) hours. If the player chooses this option, the License Holder is required to immediately place the Player Account into “Blocked” status and maintain this status throughout the twenty-four-hour time-out period. The restriction is lifted automatically.
3β. Temporary Time-Out from Gambling Activities Conducted through Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs)
The Operator provides players with the option to interrupt their gaming session and suspend their participation in gambling activities until 00:00:00 (midnight) of the same calendar day (Day Stop).
Procedures for Submitting Exclusion and Temporary Suspension Requests
1.Procedure for Submitting a Request for Indefinite Self-Exclusion, Temporary Self-Exclusion or a Temporary Time-Out
Players who wish to be placed under an Exclusion regime (either indefinite self-exclusion or temporary self-exclusion) or a Temporary Time-Out may:
- submit a relevant application to the land-based casino from which they wish to be excluded;
- submit a relevant application at certified OPAP PLAY outlets;
- follow the applicable procedures described on the official websites of the respective License Holders for:online gambling activities (for online gambling), and OPAP PLAY (for Video Lottery Terminals – VLTs).
2. Procedure for Submitting a Request for UNIVERSAL EXCLUSION
At the present time, the Unified Register of Excluded Players is under development and preparation by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) prior to becoming operational. Until the official launch of the Unified Register of Excluded Players, it is not possible to register players in the Register, nor can their exclusion be automatically and universally applied across all License Holders. Accordingly, the following provisions apply in cases of Universal Exclusion:
Α. Procedure for Requesting Universal Temporary Self-Exclusion from Online Gambling Activities
Players who wish to obtain universal temporary self-exclusion from gambling activities organised and conducted by licensed online gambling operators must submit a separate temporary self-exclusion request to each License Holder with whom they maintain an account.
Β. Procedure for Requesting Universal Indefinite Self-Exclusion from Online Gambling Activities, Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs), and/or Land-Based Casino Gaming
Players who wish to obtain universal indefinite self-exclusion from gambling activities organised and conducted by licensed online gambling operators, through Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs), and/or in land-based casino establishments, must either:
submit a separate self-exclusion request to each License Holder with whom they maintain an account; or
submit their request to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) for administration and processing.
In the latter case, where the player wishes the HGC to manage their request for Universal Indefinite Self-Exclusion, the following documents must be submitted to info@hgc.gov.gr:
- a clear copy of both sides of the player’s identity card or passport;
- a solemn declaration bearing an authenticated electronic signature through gov.gr, stating that:
α). the player wishes to be subject to indefinite self-exclusion from: online gambling activities; Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs); and/or land-based casino gaming
(The player may adapt the declaration by removing any gambling category from which they do not wish to be excluded.)
b) the player consents to the disclosure of their personal data for the purposes of processing the request.
Upon receipt of the above documents, the HGC will take the necessary actions to notify all relevant License Holders of the player’s request for Universal Indefinite Self-Exclusion.
Please note that, in all cases, exclusion applies only to licensed gambling operators.
For the purpose of informing the public, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) compiles and regularly updates a list of licensed gambling operators (the “White List”) that provide gambling services through land-based, online, or other remote gambling channels. The White List is published on the HGC website.
The publication of this list constitutes sufficient notice and proof of the existence of the relevant licence or certification.
The White List can be found here
Participation in gambling activities organised without a valid licence is unlawful and may expose players to significant legal risks, penalties, and sanctions. Before registering with any online gambling website, players should consult the above-mentioned list and bear in mind that only operators included on the White List are licensed by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC)
Part A: General Information and Types of Exclusion
What Does “Excluded Player” Mean?
An excluded player is a person who is not permitted to participate in gambling activities. Exclusion may occur through:
- the player’s own initiative (self-exclusion),
- an application submitted by a court-appointed guardian or legal representative,
- a court decision
- Αιτιολογημένη απόφαση του Κατόχου Άδειας
- Application by a First-Degree Relative or Spouse (applicable only to land-based casino operations)
Types of Self-Exclusion / Temporary Time-Out
Type of Exclusion | Duration / Validity | Method of Removal | Applicable To |
Indefinite Self-Exclusion | At least one (1) year from the date of exclusion. | Not lifted automatically. It may only be lifted following a request by the player, submitted after one (1) year has elapsed from the date of exclusion. | Online gambling activities VLTs OPAP PLAY Land-Based Casinos |
Temporary Self-Exclusion | Determined by the player, with a minimum duration of one (1) month. | Automatically lifted upon expiry of the period specified by the player. | Online gambling activities VLTs OPAP PLAY |
Temporary Time-Out (24 Hours) | Twenty-four (24) hours. | Automatically lifted upon expiry of the 24-hour period. | Online gambling activities |
Temporary Time-Out (Day Stop) | Until 00:00:00 (midnight) of the same | Automatically lifted at the end of the day | VLTs- OPAP PLAY |
Important Notice: Please note that the option of temporary self-exclusion is not available for land-based casino gaming.
Part B: Questions & Answers (Q&A)
1. What Is the Relevant Legislation Governing Exclusion for Each Gambling Category?
The primary legislation governing the terms of exclusion and temporary self-exclusion for each category of gambling activity is as follows:
Game Category |
|
Online Gambling | Ministerial Decision No. 79314 EX 2020 (Government Gazette B’ 3263) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Gaming Regulation on the Conduct of Gambling Activities through Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Machines”. |
OPAP PLAY / VLTs | Υπ’ αριθμ. 79314 ΕΞ 2020 (ΦΕΚ Β΄3263) απόφαση του Υπουργού Οικονομικών, με τίτλο «Κανονισμός Παιγνίων περί Διεξαγωγής Τυχερών Παιγνίων μέσω Παιγνιομηχανημάτων τύπου Video Lottery Terminal (VLT)» |
Land-Based Casinos | Ministerial Decision No. 303/5/27.02.2018 (Government Gazette B’ 1025) Entitled: “Amendment and Codification of Ministerial Decision No. T/6736/2003 (Government Gazette B’ 929) of the Minister of Development, entitled ‘Regulation on the Administrative Control and Supervision of Casino Operations’.” |
2. How Can I Submit a Request for Indefinite Self-Exclusion, Temporary Self-Exclusion, or a Temporary Time-Out with a License Holder?
If you wish to be placed under an Exclusion regime (either indefinite self-exclusion or temporary self-exclusion) or a Temporary Time-Out, you may submit a request to the relevant License Holder using one of the following methods:
- For Land-Based Casinos
Submit your request directly to the casino from which you wish to be excluded. - For OPAP PLAY Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs)
Submit your request at a certified OPAP PLAY outlet or follow the procedures described on the official website of the relevant License Holder. - For Online Gambling Activities
Follow the procedures set out on the official website of the relevant License Holder.
💡Please note: Exclusion or time-out measures apply only to the specific License Holder to whom the request is submitted.
3. How Can I Self-Exclude from All Gambling Activities?
At present, there is no automatic universal exclusion across all operators, as the Unified Register of Excluded Players (UREP) is still under development.
If you wish to request Universal Indefinite Self-Exclusion from licensed gambling operators (online gambling, OPAP PLAY/VLTs, and land-based casinos), you have two options:
α) Individual Application to Each Operator: You may submit a separate exclusion request to each License Holder (online platform or land-based casino) where you maintain an account.
β) Application to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC): The HGC may undertake the administration of your request and communicate it to all licensed operators. Procedure is as following:
- Send an email to: info@hgc.gov.gr.
- Include the following documents:
- A clear copy of both sides of your identity card or your passport.
- A solemn declaration authenticated through gov.gr
- The declaration must explicitly state:
- That you wish to be subject to indefinite self-exclusion, specifying the gambling category or categories concerned, namely::
- Online Gambling Activities (Player Account)
- OPAP PLAY/VLTs (Player Card)
- Land-Based Casinos
- That you consent to the disclosure of your personal data for the purposes of processing your request.
- That you wish to be subject to indefinite self-exclusion, specifying the gambling category or categories concerned, namely::
Please note: The option of self-exclusion is not available for gambling activities where the player’s identity is not verified (e.g. certain OPAP gambling products).
4. How Long Does an Indefinite Self-Exclusion Last and When Can It Be Lifted?
An indefinite self-exclusion is never lifted automatically.
- For Online Gambling Activities and OPAP PLAY–VLTs
The Player Account or Individual Player Card may only be reactivated at the player’s request, provided that at least one (1) year has elapsed from the date of exclusion.
- For Land-Based Casinos
The exclusion remains in force for a mandatory period of six (6) months from the date the declaration is submitted and may only be lifted following a request by the excluded individua
5. What Happens to My Account / Player Card After an Indefinite Self-Exclusion?
- For Land-Based Casinos
Exclusion is implemented through the restriction of the player’s physical access to the casino and the inclusion of their name in the casino’s Internal Exclusion List. - Online/VLTs: The operator is required to immediately deactivate the Player Account (PA) or the Individual Player Card (IPC). The contractual relationship is terminated and the account is placed in “Closed” status.
6. What Happens to Advertising and Marketing Communications After Exclusion?
Universal Application to Licensed Operators
Licensed operators are expressly prohibited from sending any form of commercial communication or advertising to an excluded player once they become aware of the exclusion. This prohibition includes:
direct marketing communications (e.g. email, SMS, etc.);
promotional offers;
advertising and promotional materials.
7. Can I Exclude a Relative from Gambling Activities?
Yes, but only in relation to land-based casino gaming.
- An exclusion request may be submitted by any first-degree relative (parent or child) or by the player’s spouse.
- Please note that, for each individual, first-degree relatives and spouses may submit exclusion requests no more than two times in total.
8. Is Temporary Self-Exclusion Available for Casinos?
No.
The option of temporary self-exclusion (which applies for a minimum period of one month) is not available for gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments.
9. Is Physical Presence Required to Submit an Exclusion Request at a Casino?
Η φυσική παρουσία απαιτείται, εάν επιλέξετε τον Μεμονωμένο Αποκλεισμό σε ένα συγκεκριμένο ή περισσότερα καζίνο. Ωστόσο, για τον Καθολικό Αποκλεισμό Αόριστης Διάρκειας από όλα τα επίγεια καζίνο, μπορείτε να υποβάλετε την αίτηση ηλεκτρονικά στην Επιτροπή Εποπτείας και Ελέγχου Παιγνίων (ΕΕΕΠ) στη διεύθυνση info@hgc.gov.gr, επισυνάπτοντας τα εξής:
- A clear copy of your identity card or passport.
- A solemn declaration authenticated through gov.gr, providing your consent to the disclosure of your personal data and expressing your wish to be excluded from all land-based casinos.
10.Can I Exclude Someone Who Gambles Anonymously (e.g., purchases lottery tickets or Joker tickets at an OPAP agency)?
No, this is not currently possible.
The option of exclusion applies only to gambling activities where player identification is required (e.g. a Player Account for online gambling, an Individual Player Card for OPAP PLAY/VLTs, or admission to a land-based casino).
For gambling activities conducted in a physical manner (such as the purchase of lottery tickets, Joker, KINO, or PROPO tickets at OPAP agencies), player identity verification is not carried out. Therefore, there is no technical or legal mechanism to prevent an individual from participating.
11. What Applies to a Court-Appointed Guardian or Legal Representative?
Exclusion may also be requested by the player’s court-appointed guardian or legal representative. The procedure and requirements for the appointment of a Court-Appointed Guardian are governed by the Greek Civil Code (Articles 1666 et seq.) and relate to matters of Family Law. They do not fall within the regulatory competence of the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC).
12. Does My Exclusion Also Apply to Illegal Gambling Operators?
No. The exclusion applies only to licensed operators.
- Η νομοθεσία και οι διαδικασίες της Ε.Ε.Ε.Π. εφαρμόζονται αποκλειστικά στους παρόχους που περιλαμβάνονται στην «White List» (τη λίστα των νόμιμων εταιρειών).
- There is no mechanism through which your exclusion can be applied to illegal or unlicensed gambling websites or operators This is one of the most significant risks associated with illegal gambling, as player protection measures, including self-exclusion, do not apply
To access the White List of licensed gambling operators , CLICK HERE.
13. How Can I Find Out Which Gambling License Holders Are Licensed?
The exclusion applies only to licensed operators The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) maintains and regularly updates the list of licensed gambling operators («White List»), which is available on its website. To view the «White List» of licensed operators, CLICK HERE.
Tip: Before registering with any online gambling operator, consult the White List of licensed operators. Participation in gambling activities offered by unlicensed operators is unlawful
Relevant Legislation
The rules governing player exclusion and temporary time-out measures in gambling activities are set out in the following legislative and regulatory instruments: 1) With regard to gambling activities conducted via the internet (online gambling), the relevant provisions are set out in Ministerial Decision No. 79835 EX 2020 (Government Gazette B’ 3265) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Establishment of the Gaming Regulation for the Organisation and Conduct of Gambling Activities via the Internet”, and Ministerial Decision No. 157593 EX 2022 (Government Gazette B’ 5571) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Establishment of Gaming Regulations – Regulation on the Organisation and Conduct of OPAP S.A. Gambling Activities via the Internet.” 2) With regard to gambling activities conducted through Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs), the relevant provisions are set out in Ministerial Decision No. …” 79314 EX 2020 (Government Gazette B’ 3263) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Gaming Regulation for the Conduct of Gambling Activities through Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).” 3) With regard to gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments, the relevant provisions are set out in Ministerial Decision No. 303/5/27.02.2018 (Government Gazette B’ 1025) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Amendment and Codification of Ministerial Decision No. T/6736/2003 (Government Gazette B’ 929) of the Minister of Development, entitled ‘Regulation on the Administrative Control and Supervision of Casino Operations’. For all other gambling activities that are conducted anonymously (i.e. where no identity verification is carried out and the player’s identity is not authenticated), no self-exclusion mechanism is available.
Excluded Player
is a player who is not permitted to participate in gambling activities following:
their own initiative (self-exclusion);
a request submitted by their court-appointed guardian or legal representative to the persons or entities organising and/or conducting the gambling activities;
a court decision; or
a reasoned decision by the persons or entities organising and/or conducting the gambling activities. (Point (ist) of Article 25 of Law 4002/2011, Government Gazette A' 180)
For land-based casino gaming only, an exclusion declaration may also be submitted by any first-degree relative (children or parents) or by the player's spouse. For each individual, first-degree relatives and spouses may submit exclusion declarations in relation to land-based casinos no more than two times in total.
Types of Exclusion & Temporary Time-Outs
1. Indefinite Self-Exclusion from Online Gambling Activities, Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs), and Land-Based Casino Gaming: If a player requests an indefinite self-exclusion from online gambling activities or Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY-VLTs), the License Holder is required to immediately deactivate and place the Player Account (for online gambling) or the Individual Player Card (for OPAP PLAY-VLTs) in “Closed” status and terminate the contractual relationship. An indefinite self-exclusion is not lifted automatically. The Player Account / Individual Player Card may be reactivated upon the player’s request, provided that at least one (1) year has elapsed since the exclusion, a new Participation Agreement has been concluded, and all legally required procedures have been completed For land-based casinos, exclusion remains in force for a mandatory period of six (6) months from the date the declaration is submitted. It is not lifted automatically and may only be revoked upon a request by the excluded individual, regardless of whether the exclusion was initiated by a first-degree relative or by the individual’s spouse. 2. Temporary Self-Exclusion from Online Gambling Activities and Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs) The duration of a temporary self-exclusion is determined by the player and must be for a minimum period of one (1) month. The License Holder is required to immediately block the Player Account / Individual Player Card and maintain that status for the entire duration of the temporary self-exclusion period. The restriction is automatically lifted when the period specified by the player expires. The option of temporary self-exclusion is not available for gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments. 3α. Twenty-Four (24)-Hour Temporary Time-Out from Online Gambling Activities. The License Holder must provide players with the option to take a temporary break from participating in gambling activities for a period of twenty-four (24) hours. If the player chooses this option, the License Holder is required to immediately place the Player Account into “Blocked” status and maintain this status throughout the twenty-four-hour time-out period. The restriction is lifted automatically. 3β. Temporary Time-Out from Gambling Activities Conducted through Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs). The Operator provides players with the option to interrupt their gaming session and suspend their participation in gambling activities until 00:00:00 (midnight) of the same calendar day (Day Stop).
Procedures for Submitting Exclusion and Temporary Suspension Requests
1. Procedure for Submitting a Request for Indefinite Self-Exclusion, Temporary Self-Exclusion, or a Temporary Time-Out with a License Holder Players who wish to be placed under an Exclusion regime (either indefinite self-exclusion or temporary self-exclusion) or a Temporary Time-Out may: submit a relevant application to the land-based casino from which they wish to be excluded; submit a relevant application at certified OPAP PLAY outlets; follow the applicable procedures described on the official websites of the respective License Holders for:online gambling activities (for online gambling), and OPAP PLAY (for Video Lottery Terminals – VLTs).
Part A: General Information and Types of Exclusion
What Does “Excluded Player” Mean? An excluded player is a person who is not permitted to participate in gambling activities. Exclusion may occur through: Player’s own initiative (self-exclusion) an application submitted by a court-appointed guardian or legal representative, a court decision Reasoned Decision of the License Holder Request submitted by a first-degree relative or spouse (available only in relation to land-based casino gaming). Types of Self-Exclusion / Temporary Time-Out Type of Exclusion Duration / Validity Method of Removal Applicable To Indefinite Self-Exclusion At least one (1) year from the date of exclusion. Not lifted automatically. It may only be lifted upon the player’s request, provided that one (1) year has elapsed from the date of exclusion. Online gambling activities VLTs OPAP PLAY Land-Based Casinos Temporary Self-Exclusion Determined by the player, with a minimum duration of one (1) month. Automatically lifted upon expiry of the period specified by the player. Online gambling activities VLTs OPAP PLAY Temporary Time-Out (24 Hours) Twenty-four (24) hours. It is automatically lifted upon expiry of the 24-hour period. Online gambling activities Temporary Time-Out (Day Stop) Until 00:00:00 (midnight) of the same calendar day It is automatically lifted at the end of the day. VLTs- OPAP PLAY Please note: Temporary self-exclusion is not available for gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments.
Part B: Questions & Answers (Q&A)
1. What Is the Relevant Legislation Governing Exclusion for Each Gambling Category? 2. How Can I Submit a Request for Indefinite Self-Exclusion, Temporary Self-Exclusion, or a Temporary Time-Out with a License Holder? 3. How Can I Self-Exclude from All Gambling Activities? 4. How Long Does an Indefinite Self-Exclusion Last and When Can It Be Lifted? 5. What Happens to My Account / Player Card After an Indefinite Self-Exclusion?
Relevant Legislation
The rules governing player exclusion and temporary time-out measures in gambling activities are set out in the following legislative and regulatory instruments: 1) With regard to gambling activities conducted via the internet (online gambling), the relevant provisions are set out in Ministerial Decision No. 79835 EX 2020 (Government Gazette B’ 3265) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Establishment of the Gaming Regulation for the Organisation and Conduct of Gambling Activities via the Internet”, and Ministerial Decision No. 157593 EX 2022 (Government Gazette B’ 5571) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Establishment of Gaming Regulations – Regulation on the Organisation and Conduct of OPAP S.A. Gambling Activities via the Internet.” 2) With regard to gambling activities conducted through Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs), the relevant provisions are set out in Ministerial Decision No. …” 79314 EX 2020 (Government Gazette B’ 3263) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Gaming Regulation for the Conduct of Gambling Activities through Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).” 3) With regard to gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments, the relevant provisions are set out in Ministerial Decision No. 303/5/27.02.2018 (Government Gazette B’ 1025) of the Minister of Finance, entitled “Amendment and Codification of Ministerial Decision No. T/6736/2003 (Government Gazette B’ 929) of the Minister of Development, entitled ‘Regulation on the Administrative Control and Supervision of Casino Operations’. For all other gambling activities that are conducted anonymously (i.e. where no identity verification is carried out and the player’s identity is not authenticated), no self-exclusion mechanism is available.
Excluded Player
is a player who is not permitted to participate in gambling activities following:
their own initiative (self-exclusion);
a request submitted by their court-appointed guardian or legal representative to the persons or entities organising and/or conducting the gambling activities;
a court decision; or
a reasoned decision by the persons or entities organising and/or conducting the gambling activities. (Point (ist) of Article 25 of Law 4002/2011, Government Gazette A' 180)
For land-based casino gaming only, an exclusion declaration may also be submitted by any first-degree relative (children or parents) or by the player's spouse. For each individual, first-degree relatives and spouses may submit exclusion declarations in relation to land-based casinos no more than two times in total.
Types of Exclusion & Temporary Time-Outs
1. Indefinite Self-Exclusion from Online Gambling Activities, Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs), and Land-Based Casino Gaming: If a player requests an indefinite self-exclusion from online gambling activities or Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY-VLTs), the License Holder is required to immediately deactivate and place the Player Account (for online gambling) or the Individual Player Card (for OPAP PLAY-VLTs) in “Closed” status and terminate the contractual relationship. An indefinite self-exclusion is not lifted automatically. The Player Account / Individual Player Card may be reactivated upon the player’s request, provided that at least one (1) year has elapsed since the exclusion, a new Participation Agreement has been concluded, and all legally required procedures have been completed For land-based casinos, exclusion remains in force for a mandatory period of six (6) months from the date the declaration is submitted. It is not lifted automatically and may only be revoked upon a request by the excluded individual, regardless of whether the exclusion was initiated by a first-degree relative or by the individual’s spouse. 2. Temporary Self-Exclusion from Online Gambling Activities and Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs) The duration of a temporary self-exclusion is determined by the player and must be for a minimum period of one (1) month. The License Holder is required to immediately block the Player Account / Individual Player Card and maintain that status for the entire duration of the temporary self-exclusion period. The restriction is automatically lifted when the period specified by the player expires. The option of temporary self-exclusion is not available for gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments. 3α. Twenty-Four (24)-Hour Temporary Time-Out from Online Gambling Activities. The License Holder must provide players with the option to take a temporary break from participating in gambling activities for a period of twenty-four (24) hours. If the player chooses this option, the License Holder is required to immediately place the Player Account into “Blocked” status and maintain this status throughout the twenty-four-hour time-out period. The restriction is lifted automatically. 3β. Temporary Time-Out from Gambling Activities Conducted through Video Lottery Terminals (OPAP PLAY–VLTs). The Operator provides players with the option to interrupt their gaming session and suspend their participation in gambling activities until 00:00:00 (midnight) of the same calendar day (Day Stop).
Procedures for Submitting Exclusion and Temporary Suspension Requests
1. Procedure for Submitting a Request for Indefinite Self-Exclusion, Temporary Self-Exclusion, or a Temporary Time-Out with a License Holder Players who wish to be placed under an Exclusion regime (either indefinite self-exclusion or temporary self-exclusion) or a Temporary Time-Out may: submit a relevant application to the land-based casino from which they wish to be excluded; submit a relevant application at certified OPAP PLAY outlets; follow the applicable procedures described on the official websites of the respective License Holders for:online gambling activities (for online gambling), and OPAP PLAY (for Video Lottery Terminals – VLTs).
Self-Exclusion Guide – Part A: General Information and Types of Exclusion
What Does “Excluded Player” Mean? An excluded player is a person who is not permitted to participate in gambling activities. Exclusion may occur through: Player’s own initiative (self-exclusion) an application submitted by a court-appointed guardian or legal representative, a court decision Reasoned Decision of the License Holder Request submitted by a first-degree relative or spouse (available only in relation to land-based casino gaming). Types of Self-Exclusion / Temporary Time-Out Type of Exclusion Duration / Validity Method of Removal Applicable To Indefinite Self-Exclusion At least one (1) year from the date of exclusion. Not lifted automatically. It may only be lifted upon the player’s request, provided that one (1) year has elapsed from the date of exclusion. Online gambling activities VLTs OPAP PLAY Land-Based Casinos Temporary Self-Exclusion Determined by the player, with a minimum duration of one (1) month. Automatically lifted upon expiry of the period specified by the player. Online gambling activities VLTs OPAP PLAY Temporary Time-Out (24 Hours) Twenty-four (24) hours. It is automatically lifted upon expiry of the 24-hour period. Online gambling activities Temporary Time-Out (Day Stop) Until 00:00:00 (midnight) of the same calendar day It is automatically lifted at the end of the day. VLTs- OPAP PLAY Please note: Temporary self-exclusion is not available for gambling activities conducted in land-based casino establishments.
Self-Exclusion Guide – Part B: Questions & Answers (Q&A)
1. What Is the Relevant Legislation Governing Exclusion for Each Gambling Category? 2. How Can I Submit a Request for Indefinite Self-Exclusion, Temporary Self-Exclusion, or a Temporary Time-Out with a License Holder? 3. How Can I Self-Exclude from All Gambling Activities? 4. How Long Does an Indefinite Self-Exclusion Last and When Can It Be Lifted? 5. What Happens to My Account / Player Card After an Indefinite Self-Exclusion?