Greek gambling regulators have escalated enforcement efforts against illegal online betting, blocking more than 11,000 gambling-related websites as part of a sweeping crackdown on a black market estimated to be worth up to €1.7 billion annually, according to data released by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP).

As reported by Greek City Times, the move underscores growing concern over the scale of unlicensed online gambling in Greece, as authorities push for stricter regulations, stronger enforcement tools, and new technologies aimed at protecting consumers and vulnerable groups.

EEEP blocks 11,000 illegal gambling domains

The EEEP, Greece’s gambling regulator, revealed that it has identified and blocked approximately 11,000 illegal online gambling domains to date. However, the report noted that enforcement remains challenging as illicit operators continue to adapt quickly, with an estimated 10,000 new gambling-related domains registered each month.

The Commission is actively exploring closer cooperation with the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission (EETT), which oversees Greece’s national domain registry. The proposed collaboration would allow regulators faster access to newly registered domains, accelerating the identification and blocking of illegal gambling platforms.

Despite this, the illegal online gambling market continues to thrive. Authorities estimate that Greece’s illegal online gambling market is valued at between €1.6 billion and €1.7 billion annually, reflecting only marginal declines in recent years.

Protecting minors has emerged as a central focus under the EEEP’s new leadership. The regulator’s 2026–2030 strategic plan places safeguarding vulnerable groups, particularly minors, at the heart of future policy, with expanded responsible gambling initiatives seen as critical to reducing exposure to illegal betting.

New legislation and stronger enforcement powers planned

The EEEP is drafting new legislation aimed at strengthening its enforcement authority. Proposed reforms would allow the Commission to immediately suspend advertising linked to illegal gambling, a power regulators say is currently inadequate.

EEEP officials have also stressed the importance of cooperation with licensed gambling operators, describing them as essential allies in combating the black market. Illegal gambling, they warned, not only undermines consumer protection but also distorts competition for compliant operators.

The Ministry of National Economy and Finance, under the leadership of Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, has been tasked with developing a new regulatory framework to curb a parallel system that threatens not only the country’s economic stability but also its social cohesion.

Casino licensing and integrated resorts under review

Beyond online gambling, the Commission is reassessing Greece’s land-based casino framework, including rules governing Integrated Tourist Complexes (ITCs) that combine casinos with hotels and entertainment venues.

Two major ITC projects, the Ellinikon redevelopment near Athens and a resort development in Maroussi, are expected to open by 2028. Regulators view these projects as potential economic drivers but say clearer licensing and operational rules are needed to ensure alignment with regional development goals.

For smaller casinos, the EEEP is considering a shift to a concession-based licensing model, replacing open-ended licences. The review follows recent sector challenges, including the revocation of the Patras casino licence and ongoing debt restructuring at casinos in Corfu and Thrace.

Technology central to future supervision

EEEP leadership has acknowledged that technology plays a dual role in both enabling illegal gambling networks and providing tools to combat them. The regulator is investing in data analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated licensing systems to improve market supervision.

“We must find the golden balance between regulation and accessibility,” the EEEP president said, noting that internal restructuring is also underway to strengthen staffing and operational capacity.

As Greece intensifies its response to illegal online gambling, regulators remain confident that a combination of legislative reform, technological innovation, and institutional strengthening will help rein in the country’s expanding digital black market.

Major money laundering probe shook Greece

In September, the gambling sector in Greece was rocked by one of the most extensive investigations in recent years. The Hellenic Anti-Money Laundering Authority uncovered a suspected laundering scheme involving around 200 individuals, including government officials and public employees.

The Greek case underscored systemic risks for the entire European gaming sector. With the growing digitalisation of gambling services, online platforms have increasingly become a conduit for money transfers. This shift makes it essential to establish common European standards that apply the same level of rigour across all markets.

The European Union, which has long been committed to strengthening AML measures, may seize on this investigation as a catalyst for reform. More harmonised regulation appears inevitable if the bloc is to prevent disparities between member states from becoming loopholes for criminal networks.

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