Greece Targets Illegal Online Gambling with New Measures

Greek authorities are intensifying their efforts against the country’s sprawling illegal online gambling market, which is estimated at €1.7 billion annually. The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) has blocked roughly 11,000 unlicensed gambling websites, a measure highlighting the scale of the digital black market despite previous regulation attempts.

Fighting a Growing Online Shadow Market

The EEEP reports that roughly 10,000 new gambling domains are registered each month, underscoring the persistent challenges regulators face. Officials are exploring closer cooperation with the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission (EETT), which manages the national domain registry, to accelerate the identification and shutdown of illegal platforms.

Protecting vulnerable groups, particularly minors, has become a central priority. According to a European study cited by the Commission, one in three 16-year-olds has engaged in illegal online gambling. The EEEP’s 2026–2030 strategic plan emphasizes stronger responsible gaming measures and safeguards to address this risk. The Commission aims to combine stricter enforcement with education programs and monitoring systems that can track unusual gambling behavior among young people.

Legislative Reforms and Casino Oversight

The Commission is preparing new legislation to enhance enforcement powers, including the authority to immediately suspend advertising linked to illegal gambling. Licensed operators are seen as key partners in combatting the black market, which threatens both consumer protection and fair competition. By enabling faster intervention against illegal advertising, regulators hope to reduce the visibility and attractiveness of unlicensed platforms.

Land-based casino regulation is also under review. The EEEP is considering concession-based licenses for smaller casinos, moving away from open-ended permits. Two major Integrated Tourist Complexes (ITCs), the Ellinikon redevelopment near Athens and a Maroussi resort, are expected to open by 2028. Regulators see these projects as potential economic drivers, but call for clearer operational and licensing rules to integrate casinos into regional development strategies. Existing ITC developments have been highlighted as examples of responsible growth and potential benefits for local communities.

Recent challenges in the sector include the revocation of the Patras casino license and ongoing debt restructuring at casinos in Corfu and Thrace, highlighting the need for updated governance frameworks. These developments have prompted officials to ensure that both large-scale and smaller casino operations adhere to more rigorous compliance and financial management standards.

Technology and Anti-Money Laundering Focus

EEEP leadership notes that illegal operators often leverage technology faster than regulators, prompting investments in data analytics, real-time monitoring, automated licensing, and advanced information systems. “Technology makes supervision more effective, faster, and more reliable,” officials stated. Internal restructuring and staffing improvements are also underway to strengthen operational capacity.

In September, a major money laundering probe revealed suspected schemes involving around 200 individuals, including government employees. The investigation underscored the systemic risks of online gambling and may prompt more harmonized European anti-money laundering standards to close regulatory gaps across member states. By combining stricter laws, technological oversight, and tighter financial controls, authorities aim to reduce criminal exploitation of online gambling platforms.

As Greece tightens oversight of illegal online gambling, authorities are betting on a combination of updated laws, technological tools, and stronger institutional frameworks to curb the digital black market and safeguard both consumers and legitimate operators. Regulators stress that long-term success will require continued monitoring, international cooperation, and adaptation to new online gambling trends.

Source:

“Greece Battles Surge in Illegal Online Gambling: 11,000 Sites Blocked”, in.gr, December 17, 2025