Relevant Legislation
The exclusion and temporary abstinence of players are regulated by the following legislative and regulatory acts: 1) Online Games of Chance For games of chance conducted via the internet (online gambling), the applicable framework is established by: • Ministerial Decision 79835 ΕΞ 2020 (Government Gazette B' 3265), Gaming Regulation for the Organization and Conduct of Games of Chance via the Internet. • Ministerial Decision 157593 ΕΞ 2022 (Government Gazette B' 5571), Gaming Regulation for the Organization and Conduct of OPAP S.A. Online Games of Chance. 2) Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) For games conducted through Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) gaming machines (OPAP PLAY), the applicable framework is established by: • Ministerial Decision 79314 ΕΞ 2020 (Government Gazette B' 3263), Gaming Regulation on the Conduct of Games of Chance through Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Gaming Machines. 3) Land-Based Casino Gambling For games of chance conducted in land-based casinos, the applicable framework is established by: • Ministerial Decision 303/5/27.02.2018 (Government Gazette B' 1025), amending and codifying Ministerial Decision T/6736/2003 (Government Gazette B' 929), Regulation for the Administrative Control and Supervision of Casino Operations. Games Not Covered by Exclusion Measures For other games of chance that are conducted anonymously, where player identification and verification are not required, self-exclusion mechanisms are generally not available. This is because the implementation and enforcement of exclusion measures require the identification of the player concerned. Where no player registration or identity verification process exists, it is not possible to apply or monitor exclusion restrictions effectively.
Excluded Player
An excluded player is a player who is prohibited from participating in gambling activities. Exclusion may occur:
Types of Exclusion & Temporary Abstinence
The regulatory framework provides players with several options to restrict or suspend their participation in gambling activities. These measures form part of the broader responsible gambling framework and are intended to help players maintain control over their gambling behaviour.
Procedures for Submitting Exclusion and Temporary Suspension Requests
1. Submitting an Exclusion or Temporary Abstinence Request to a Specific License Holder Players who wish to be placed under indefinite exclusion, temporary exclusion, or temporary abstinence may do so directly through the relevant License Holder. Requests may be submitted as follows: • Land-based casinos: Submit an exclusion request directly to the casino from which you wish to be excluded. • OPAP PLAY (VLTs): Submit an exclusion request through a certified OPAP PLAY venue or follow the procedures prescribed by the operator. • Online gambling operators: Follow the procedures described on the official website of the relevant License Holder.
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 legislation governs exclusion and temporary abstinence? 2. How can I request exclusion or temporary abstinence from a specific License Holder? 3. How can I exclude myself from all gambling? 4. How long does indefinite exclusion last? 5. What happens to my account or card after indefinite exclusion?