A bill proposing new, stricter measures to combat illegal gambling has been presented to the Cabinet by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, along with Deputy Minister Thanos Petralias.
The bill strengthens the authority of the Greek Gaming Commission (EEEP), specifically granting new powers to request the immediate removal or disabling of access to content related to illegal gambling from internet service providers, as well as from websites, social media platforms and search engines.
Members of the EEEP’s Gaming Inspectors Corps will attain the status of special investigative officers when their inspections uncover evidence of criminal offences related to illegal gambling.
The aim is for the EEEP to obtain the necessary tools to act swiftly in addressing cases of illegal online gambling. The proposed regulations impose stricter penalties on offenders, including operators, players and influencers who promote illegal websites. This includes monetary fines, multi-year business closures and possible prison sentences.
Severe sanctions will be introduced for advertising and promoting illegal gambling, particularly through digital channels such as influencers, streamers, digital ad networks, affiliates and advertisers. Indeed, administrative fines ranging from €5,000 ($5,900) to €50,000 per violation will be introduced.
The bill mandates the immediate and long-term closure of shops where illegal activities are found, the revocation of operating licences where applicable and increased penalties for businesses that reopen after being shut down. Players may face penalties, particularly for repeat offences or ongoing involvement in illegal gambling.
Recent estimates indicate that illegal betting in Greece generates an annual turnover of nearly €1.7bn. The total number of participants is estimated to surpass 900,000.
It was previously announced that operating an illegal gambling business could carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years
