SkillOnNet and Regency gain Greek online gaming licence

The partnership between SkillOnNet, a prominent international online gaming platform operator, and Regency Entertainment, one of Greece’s leading land-based casino operators, has officially been granted a Type 2 online gambling licence by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). This development paves the way for the launch of Regency Casino Online, a new digital gaming platform that is expected to combine state-of-the-art gaming technology with decades of casino management expertise.

The acquisition of the licence marks a significant milestone in the companies’ collaborative efforts to offer legal and regulated online gambling services in Greece. The development also underscores a broader strategy by both entities to enter and thrive in regulated markets while ensuring compliance with local legislation, consumer protection standards, and responsible gaming principles.

The licensing approval and legal framework

The Hellenic Gaming Commission, the national authority responsible for regulating gambling activities in Greece, issued the Type 2 licence following a rigorous application and evaluation process. This category of licence enables operators to offer a wide range of online gambling products, including digital slots, live casino games, and other interactive formats.

The licence issuance signifies full compliance with Greek gambling laws, which were restructured in 2021 to establish a more robust and transparent regulatory framework. The framework aims to protect consumers, promote responsible gambling, and combat illegal gambling practices while fostering innovation and competition in the Greek market.

Both companies have emphasised their commitment to respecting the rules and requirements laid down by the Greek regulatory authorities. The online platform will adhere to all technical, security, and operational standards required for the operation of legal gambling sites in Greece.

Launch of Regency Casino Online

The newly licensed entity will be branded as Regency Casino Online, leveraging both the technological prowess of SkillOnNet and the trusted, long-established brand identity of Regency Entertainment. The platform is expected to deliver an immersive digital experience to players while maintaining the same standards of safety, transparency, and entertainment that Regency’s physical casino locations are known for.

The digital casino will feature a full suite of interactive gambling content, including:

• Slot games from leading providers
• Live dealer casino tables
• Online adaptations of classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat
• Gamified elements designed to enhance player engagement

SkillOnNet, through its advanced software platform, will be responsible for managing the technological infrastructure of the online casino. This includes real-time transaction monitoring, responsible gaming tools, fraud prevention systems, and back-end compliance operations.

Strategic significance of the Greek market

SkillOnNet’s entry into the Greek market reflects a deliberate and well-planned expansion strategy. Greece, with its well-regulated and growing digital gambling sector, presents a valuable opportunity for licensed operators looking to establish or expand a presence within the European Union.

The Greek online gambling market has demonstrated sustained growth in recent years, supported by technological advancements, increasing consumer demand for digital entertainment, and regulatory reforms. By securing a licence in Greece, SkillOnNet continues its trajectory of entering regulated markets where compliance, transparency, and consumer safety are prioritised.

The company already operates over 30 online casino brands internationally, including well-known platforms such as PlayOJO, BacanaPlay, and SpinGenie. Its Greek launch follows other recent market entries, including an expansion into Brazil, another jurisdiction that has undergone regulatory transformation to formalise its gambling industry.

Regency Entertainment’s move into digital gaming

For Regency Entertainment, the move into online gaming is a logical evolution of its traditional land-based operations. The company manages some of the most prominent casino properties in Greece, including:

• Regency Casino Mont Parnes in Athens
• Regency Casino Thessaloniki
• The Hyatt Regency Hotel Thessaloniki
• Vergina Theatro, a popular entertainment venue

These locations are synonymous with high-end gaming experiences and have cultivated a loyal clientele base over the years. By launching a digital arm of its business, Regency seeks to bring its hospitality and entertainment standards into the online space.

The company’s leadership has emphasized the importance of maintaining the same standards of trust and quality in its online services that players have come to expect from its physical venues. This includes implementing robust player protections, data privacy measures, and responsible gambling features.

Executive commentary and shared vision

The joint announcement included statements from senior executives of both companies, highlighting the collaborative nature of the venture and the shared commitment to delivering an innovative yet compliant digital gaming platform.

Maor Nutkevitch, SkillOnNet’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, conveyed a positive outlook on the partnership, noting:
“This new market for us, combined with Regency's extensive experience, presents our first opportunity to provide Greek players with services designed to meet their needs for the first time, consistently evolving our product, always within the Greek legislative framework, with responsibility and reliability.”

He further emphasized that adherence to regulatory standards plays a crucial role in the company’s wider global growth strategy:
“The issuance of the gambling license in Greece marks another significant step for SkillOnNet. The new license underscores the company's commitment to expanding into even more regulated gaming markets in Europe and worldwide.”

Giannis Tsirikos, CEO of Regency Entertainment, echoed a similar sentiment:
“From the beginning of our strategic partnership, SkillOnNet and Regency shared a common vision: to offer an innovative entertainment experience to Greek players. The issuance of the license brings us a step closer to fulfilling this vision.”

He added that the collaboration would reflect the core values of Regency’s existing business:
“Our new digital product will exceed the expectations of the Greek public. It will reflect the quality of Regency's land-based venues and services and inspire the trust, transparency, and sense of safety that have allowed us to stand out in the preferences of Greek players.”

Compliance and responsible gambling as guiding principles

Both SkillOnNet and Regency have committed to maintaining high standards of compliance with Greek gambling laws and international best practices. This includes deploying features such as:

• Identity verification to prevent underage gambling
• Deposit and loss limits to support responsible play
• Self-exclusion options
• Transparency in bonus and promotional terms
• Regular audits and reporting to the HGC

The companies understand the reputational and legal risks associated with digital gambling operations and are taking proactive steps to mitigate any potential issues. This commitment is particularly critical given past legal scrutiny in various markets where enforcement of gambling laws has intensified.

Future outlook and potential market impact

The launch of Regency Casino Online is expected to enhance competition in the Greek iGaming space, which already includes several international and domestic operators. However, the strong brand recognition of Regency, combined with the global experience of SkillOnNet, may give the joint venture a competitive edge.

Moreover, the move could encourage further digital transformation among other traditional casino operators in the country, accelerating the shift from land-based to hybrid gaming models.

In the long term, if the platform proves successful, it could serve as a model for similar collaborations in other regulated markets, particularly within the European Union and Latin America.

Conclusion

The partnership between SkillOnNet and Regency Entertainment signifies more than just a business expansion; it is a demonstration of how traditional and digital gaming can co-exist under a regulated, transparent, and player-centric model. With the launch of Regency Casino Online, Greek players will have access to a new standard of online gambling that blends innovation, trust, and legal compliance.

As the market matures and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, the success of ventures like this one may define the future of safe, legal online gaming in Greece and beyond.

FAQs

What is the significance of the Type 2 licence in Greece?
The Type 2 licence allows operators to legally offer online slots, live casino games, and interactive gambling formats under Greek regulatory supervision.

Who regulates online gambling in Greece?
The Hellenic Gaming Commission is the official regulatory authority responsible for overseeing legal gambling operations in Greece.

What is Regency Casino Online?
Regency Casino Online is a new digital gaming platform launched by SkillOnNet and Regency Entertainment to serve the Greek online gambling market.

Is online gambling legal in Greece?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Greece, provided the operator holds a valid licence issued by the Hellenic Gaming Commission.

What companies are behind Regency Casino Online?
The platform is a joint venture between SkillOnNet, an international gaming technology company, and Regency Entertainment, a Greek land-based casino operator.

What does SkillOnNet do?
SkillOnNet provides gaming software and operates more than 30 online casino brands globally, such as PlayOJO and BacanaPlay.

What experience does Regency Entertainment bring?
Regency Entertainment operates major casinos in Greece, including Regency Casino Thessaloniki and Mont Parnes, and brings decades of hospitality and gaming expertise.

Will the new platform promote responsible gambling?
Yes, the platform will implement responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and identity verification to ensure safe gaming.

How will Greek players benefit from this launch?
Greek players will gain access to a new, locally licensed online casino platform offering secure, innovative, and trusted gambling experiences.

Is this part of a broader strategy by SkillOnNet?
Yes, the Greek market entry aligns with SkillOnNet’s broader objective of expanding into regulated jurisdictions worldwide.