Greece Announces Sweeping Overhaul to Combat Illegal Gambling

The reform modernizes and broadens the “blacklist” maintained by the Hellenic Gaming Commission, the country’s independent gambling regulator, which monitors unlicensed online operators.

According to ministry data drawn from a 2024 survey by the regulator, approximately 799,000 citizens, around 9.5% of the population, participated in illegal gambling activities. Authorities estimate the shadow market’s annual turnover at €1.67 billion ($1,9 billion), with an average spend of €2,089 ($2,461) per player. As a result, the state loses an estimated €400 million ($471 million) in tax revenue each year.

Greece strengthens digital powers against illegal gambling

The bill grants the Hellenic Gaming Commission clear authority to intervene rapidly in the digital sphere.

Under the new framework, the regulator may request the removal or disabling of online content linked to illegal gambling directly from internet service providers, social media platforms, search engines, and other digital intermediaries.

In addition, it may demand identifying information for users, accounts, or websites suspected of involvement in unlawful betting operations.

Lawmakers argue that these tools will accelerate the disruption of illegal activity, reinforce market supervision, and improve consumer protection, particularly in the online environment.

Expanded staffing and investigative authority

To support these expanded responsibilities, the legislation increases the regulator’s staffing from 80 to 110 permanent positions. The new structure includes 70 administrative roles and 40 specialized scientific positions focused on gambling oversight, data analysis, and digital monitoring.

Currently, the commission employs 72 staff members, including permanent and seconded personnel. Officials maintain that the additional hires will substantially enhance operational capacity and enforcement effectiveness.

The bill also upgrades the authority of the Gaming Inspectors Corps. When inspectors uncover evidence of criminal offenses related to illegal gambling, they will act as special investigative officers. This status allows them to collect evidence, compile case files, and submit them directly to prosecutors, instead of limiting their role to administrative sanctions.

Greece modernizes its blacklist to tackle illegal gambling

The legislation further updates the regulator’s blacklist of unlicensed online operators.

Beyond listing illegal websites, the expanded registry will now include information on individuals or legal entities that organize, conduct, or promote unlawful gambling activities. It will also record related violations and imposed sanctions.

In parallel, Greece’s authorities will introduce a faster, automated system to block access to illegal websites. Officials describe this mechanism as a critical preventive tool that can immediately disrupt unauthorized gambling operations and curb the spread of illegal promotion online.

Immediate closure of illegal gambling venues

The bill reinstates and strengthens the mechanism for the immediate administrative sealing of premises where operators conduct gambling without the required license or certification.

This authority, repealed in 2014, will once again allow regulators to shut down non-compliant establishments swiftly. Moreover, municipalities may revoke operating licenses when authorities confirm illegal gambling activity, thereby preventing repeat violations under new ownership or business structures.

Officials say the measure reinforces deterrence while protecting consumers and legitimate businesses operating within the licensed market.

Fines for promoting illegal gambling

For the first time, the legislation establishes a standalone administrative penalty targeting the advertisement and promotion of illegal gambling.

Fines will range from €5,000 ($5,892) to €50,000 ($58,920) per violation and will apply to any individual or legal entity that promotes unlicensed gambling services. The provision explicitly covers digital marketing channels, including influencers, streamers, digital advertising networks, affiliate marketers, and other promotional intermediaries.

Lawmakers intend to ensure that all commercial communication in the gambling sector relates exclusively to licensed operators.

Revised criminal penalties

The bill also restructures criminal sanctions under existing gambling law, seeking greater proportionality while preserving deterrence.

For illegal non-gambling games, courts will impose prison sentences of at least three years and fines ranging from €10,000 ($11,784) to €500,000 ($589,207). For illegal gambling operations, penalties increase to a minimum of ten years’ imprisonment and fines between €50,000 ($58,920) and €700,000 ($824,890).

Aggravating circumstances, such as professional-scale activity or the involvement of minors, will trigger harsher sanctions, including imprisonment of at least ten years and fines between €100,000 ($117,840) and €800,000 ($942,725).

Officials argue that this revised two-tier framework aligns more closely with judicial practice while strengthening enforcement in serious cases.

Clearer role in criminal proceedings

Finally, the legislation clarifies procedural rules in criminal trials involving illegal gambling, particularly cases concerning computer-based gambling in venues such as internet cafés.

Licensed providers holding exclusive rights will now be able to appear in court in support of prosecution when cases involve activities that infringe upon their regulated rights.

Authorities say this clarification strengthens legal coherence and improves coordination in criminal proceedings.