Is it Legal to Play Videogames in Greece?
Yes, playing videogames is legal in Greece, contrary to a law that was enacted in 2002, known as Law 3037/2002, which banned all electronic games in public places, but was later repealed in 2011. The Greek government has since then allowed videogames to be played in both public and private places, including those on computers, consoles, and mobile phones, with the Greek video games market growing, including a mobile gaming audience of approximately 1.1 million active users.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
The Greek law that was once in place aimed to combat illegal gambling, but its banning of electronic games had a significant impact on the gaming community. However, with its repeal, the Greek government has shown a more progressive stance towards videogames.
Evolution of Gaming in Greece
Since the repeal of the ban, Greece has seen a growth in its gaming industry, with more gamers engaging in online gaming and esports. The Greek government has also taken steps to regulate online gambling, requiring licences for online betting and other online games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the current state of videogame legality in Greece? The current state is that playing videogames is legal, with no restrictions on public or private play, including on computers, consoles, and mobile phones.
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What was Law 3037/2002, and how did it affect videogames in Greece? Law 3037/2002 was a controversial law that banned all electronic games in public places to fight illegal gambling, but it was later repealed in 2011.
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How many people play videogames in Greece? The mobile gaming audience in Greece is approximately 1.1 million active users, representing 41% of internet users in the country.
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Is online gambling legal in Greece? Yes, online gambling is legal in Greece, but it requires a licence, with two types available: Type A for online betting and Type B for other online games.
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What is the term for gaming in Greek? The term for gaming in Greek is παιχνίδι (paichnidí), which also means toy, game, plaything, or fiddling.
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Are videogames still banned in Greece? No, videogames are not banned in Greece; the ban was lifted in 2011 with the repeal of Law 3037/2002.
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Why were videogames banned in Greece in the past? Videogames were banned in an attempt to combat illegal gambling in the country.
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Is pirating games illegal in Greece? Yes, pirating games is illegal in Greece, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
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What sports are popular in Greece? Football (soccer) and basketball are the most popular sports in Greece, with athletics also having a significant following due to its historical connection to the Olympic Games.
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Does Greece have censorship? While Greece has a history of censorship, the Greek Constitution provides for freedom of speech and press under Article 14.
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Is it illegal to record a conversation in Greece? Yes, recording a conversation without consent is illegal in Greece and can result in punishment under the Greek Penal Code.
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What things are banned in Greece? Several items and actions are banned in Greece, including carrying weapons, smoking in indoor public places, and engaging in sexual conduct with a person under 18.
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Is Xbox banned in Greece? No, Xbox and other consoles are not banned in Greece, following the repeal of the ban on electronic games.
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What is the crime rate like in Greece? Greece has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world and in Europe, making it a safe country.
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Can you party in Greece? Yes, partying is a significant part of the culture in Greece, especially in Greek island clubs, with abundant alcohol and events with famous DJs.