The Committee for Supervision and Game Control (EEPEP) issued a press release on the subject: Set Gaming Conduct and Control Issues Performed via VLT Game Machines and states the following:
With 115 / 2 / 11.07.2014 (B 2041), 143 / 2 / 06.02.2015 (B 328), 148 / 2 / 20.03.2015 (B 613), 158 / 4 / 05.06.2015 (B 1120) and 166 / 4 / 23.07.2015 B 2295). amended, supplemented and codified in a single text relating to the organization, conduct and games of chance conducted through VLT type play machines, devices.
The above provisions were adopted with the following main objectives:
1. The consistent and systematic protection of the public interest.
2. Minimizing the negative social consequences of unreasonable participation in gambling.
3. Promoting the principles (rules) of the responsible person.
4. Combating the illicit organization and conduct of gambling.
5. Effective exercise by CEEP its supervisory and control functions and responsibilities.
In view of the more effective achievement of these objectives, it may define and redefine, review and evaluate, supplement and modify the gambling regulatory framework, taking into account the data that apply at all times and current best international practices.
In this context, with its 225 / 2 / 25.10.2016 (B 3528) decision, updated the current regulatory framework for VLT-type play machines based on international scientific and technological developments on responsible gambling promotion issues and on best practices on procedures and of the gaming industry with gaming machines at international level.
In particular, the new regulatory framework is characterized by the following important features:
- In mandatory self-restraint of the player, which is now fully supported by technology. In line with current international best practice, self-restraint is the most effective way to protect vulnerable groups from addiction. In addition to customized and multiple mandatory self-restraint options, namely with eight (8) potential limits, which can be applied individually or in combination, it is possible to meet the different needs arising for players of distinct categories and with different individual features. By signing up, all players are required to set specific limits for their protection, both in time and in quantity. In this way, a player's training process is promoted to the authorities responsible for the game. In addition, the player will be able to redefine these limits.
- Establishing it obligation to exchange data between the Operator and the CEO. (b) international gambling practices, which will be taken into account for the continuous development and adaptation of the framework, in particular through the adoption of new tools for playing games, with special attention to the recognition and intervention of extreme behavioral values; to protect players and the public and to promote the principles of the responsible gaming. In this way, CEEP creates a flexible and effective framework, focusing on the behavior of the players and their analysis, in order to be able to take measures and to renew and strengthen them accordingly, adapting to the socio-economic, scientific and technological developments.
- Adopted obligatory informing the player of the time and money they spend. In order to protect the players, this intervention is a unique innovation at the global level, which can be technologically supported and developed immediately. With this change, the player will have permanent, visible message on the screen, throughout the session, full knowledge of the time and amount of money spent.
- Each player is allowed to interrupt the play session and exclude any new play session until the end of the same day at the touch of a button, thereby offering a no time-consuming and immediate self-exclusion.
The above interventions are combined in a balanced way with the other existing provisions of the VLT-style regulatory framework, such as the individual player card. It is recalled that Greece is one of the few countries in the world where the individual player card has been introduced. Card issuance requires the player to be fully identified and without it is impossible to participate. The individual card includes the personal details and limits set by the player, and therefore enables the player HELLENIC REPUBLIC to intervene directly and effectively to ensure the protection of players and vulnerable social groups.
HELLENIC REPUBLIC will continue to exercise its supervisory and supervisory functions effectively by closely monitoring and regulating the operation of the gambling market in accordance with the requirements of the general interest.