Greece makes headway with three new casino licences

as been discussed widely for months, and it now seems the Greek Government is discussing the provision of casinos in well-known tourist destinations in the region, such as Crete, Santorini and Mykonos.

Three new gaming licences for the specific islands are included in a draft bill tabled in Parliament, whilst another six casinos already in operation will be allowed to relocate.

Although the bill includes a proposal for issuing three new casino licences, it also addresses the online gambling sectors.

The bill is being pushed by the Greek Ministry of Finance, who are keen to liberalise the existing Greek gambling market. The bill calls for an overhaul in the way in which the region provides different types of gambling services, and the way in which it is regulated.

The government is planning on voting through the draft bill before Christmas, and is expected to come into force on 1 January, 2020.

If the bill passes through government successfully, it could see the relocation of Regency Casino Mont Parnes, the only casino in the Greek capital Athens. Other casinos that will be relocated will include the facilities in the cities of Thessaloniki, Rio, Loutraki, Florina, and Alexandroupolis.

Furthermore, the bill also proposes a flat tax rate on casinos as gaming tax liability currently ranges from 22-35%, and will be up for public consultation until 11 December.