The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) has blocked approximately 11,000 unlicensed gambling websites as part of an intensified effort to curb Greece’s €1.7 billion illegal betting market. Despite these measures, regulators acknowledge that the speed at which new illegal domains appear, estimated at 10,000 globally per month, makes enforcement a constant challenge.
New Legislative Proposals and Technology
To strengthen its capabilities, the EEEP is planning to submit proposals for a new legislative framework to modernize Greece’s gambling laws. Key reforms include granting the Commission power to immediately suspend advertisements for illegal services and establishing closer cooperation with the national domain registry to identify illicit sites faster.
The regulator is also investing in advanced technology, such as real-time monitoring tools and data analytics, to improve oversight. Officials warned that while stronger enforcement is necessary, excessive regulation could inadvertently drive players to the black market, emphasizing the need for a “golden balance”.
Focus on Protecting Minors and Casino Reform
Protecting minors is a top priority for the EEEP’s new administration, with research indicating that one in three 16-year-olds has engaged in illegal online gambling. The regulator stressed that unlicensed platforms offer no consumer protection safeguards.
Beyond online gambling, the Commission is proposing reforms for land-based casinos, particularly Integrated Tourist Complexes (ITCs) like those at Ellinikon and Maroussi, expected to open in 2028. The plan includes shifting smaller casinos from open-ended licenses to a concession-based system to better align with regional economic goals.
