Stake and Kick blacklisted in Greece

Stake and Kick have both been blacklisted in Greece in a major blow for the duo.

The brands have been added to the Hellenic Gaming Commission’s blacklist, effective 20 June.

Users attempting to access the site via a Greek internet service provider (ISP) are met with a message denying access to the platform.

The message reads: “You have attempted to access a site that provides unauthorised gambling services. By law, internet service providers are required to disallow access to unauthorised gambling sites listed on the blacklist.

“It is noted that participation in gambling, which is organised without authorisation by the Hellenic Republic, carries severe administrative and criminal penalties.”

While Stake does not hold a Greek licence and the blacklisting is to be somewhat expected, streaming platform Kick’s ban raises interesting questions around its position in the market.

The gambling-forward streaming platform, which has emerged as a rival to Twitch since its launch, hosts content from streamers gambling with crypto-first operators such as Stake and Roobet.

These unlicensed firms have been barred from Twitch and, given the Hellenic Gaming Commission’s decision, could lead to further impact from European regulators.

Kick has also made headlines recently after poaching top talent from Twitch via lucrative contracts.