Greek gambling regulator starts motions for creation of national gambling harm strategy
The Hellenic Gaming Commission will work with the Health Quality Assurance Organisation.
Greece.- The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) has announced a collaborative initiative with the Health Quality Assurance Organisation (OHQA) to focus on gambling harm in Greece. It’s signed a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) related to prevention initiatives and social support systems.
The HGC and OHQA will establish a Coordination Committee to oversee the implementation of a national strategy on gambling-related harm. This will aim to improve public awareness of responsible gaming, introduce early risk detection mechanisms, expand access to counselling services, and develop treatment and support programs for individuals and families.
The move comes amid rising concerns about gambling among teenagers. A study from the Mental Health Research Institute (EPIPSY) found that 36 per cent of first-year high school students had gambled for money in 2024, well over the European Union average of 23 per cent, and 7 per cent of Greek teenagers were displaying early signs of gambling addiction.
OHQA chief executive Christos Nestoras said: “This Memorandum of Understanding aims to reinforce collaboration with the Hellenic Gaming Commission. Our goal is to create an effective framework based on scientific evidence, public welfare, and practical support for those in need.”
HGC president Dimitris Ntzanatos said: “We are pleased to commence our collaboration with ODIPY. Through coordination, we aim to leverage expertise and minimise bureaucratic obstacles to develop effective solutions for an issue that has profound social and economic implications.”
In March, the Greek gambling operator OPAP announced a dividend payment totalling €500m after reporting a 10 per cent rise in revenue to €2.29bn for full-year 2024. EBITDA for 2024 was €832m, up from €745m in 2023, and net profits rose by 18.8 per cent to €485m.
OPAP’s core lottery division contributed a third of revenue, generating €774m (up 6 per cent, in part thanks to rollovers on the Tzoker lottery draws). Sports betting revenue was €746m, up 15 per cent. The majority (57 per cent) still came via retail. The online casino unit saw revenue rise by 29 per cent to €325m.
