Greek government lays out proposed overhaul of gambling regulations
The government says Greece will be the “first European nation to design a specific legislative framework to combat illegal gambling as a criminal and economic threat.”
Greece.- The Ministry of Finance and National Economy has introduced an omnibus bill aimed at overhauling gambling regulations in Greece. As promised earlier in the year, the Regulations for the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) and Improvements to the Gaming Framework bill outlines measures aimed at tackling illegal gambling, tightening oversight on the licensed sector and reshaping the taxation of online gaming winnings.
A consultation period will run until June 15, after which the government may revise the draft before submitting it for parliamentary approval.
An expanded Hellenic Gaming Commission
The proposed legislation introduces new enforcement powers, tougher penalties, and expanded responsibilities for the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP). It would also require banks to block transactions linked to unlicensed gambling operators. Payments for bets and transfers of winnings from illegal platforms would be prohibited in a bid to cut off the black market.
The regulator’s workforce would grow from 80 to 110, with new hires specialising in IT, cybersecurity, intelligence, and enforcement. The Ministry emphasised that illegal gambling has become a “sophisticated transnational activity” requiring advanced monitoring of websites, payment channels, and criminal networks.
The EEEP would also coordinate responsible gambling programmes, commission research, and develop national strategies to reduce participation in unlicensed gambling. Inspectors would be granted the status of special investigative officers, enabling them to initiate criminal investigations directly.
Punishments for illegal gambling
Organisers of illegal gambling would face prison sentences of 10 years. and fines ranging from €50,000 to €700,000. Where offences involve minors, repeat violations, or sealed premises, sanctions could escalate to a minimum 10-year sentence and fines between €100,000 and €800,000. Individuals running games of chance without a licence would face prison terms of one to two years.
Meanwhile, individuals or businesses found promoting unauthorised gambling services, whether through websites, apps, social media, influencer content, or affiliate links, would face fines of up to €50,000. Internet service providers, advertisers, and third parties facilitating illegal gambling could be penalised between €1,000 and €2m per violation.
The proposed reforms would also strengthen identity verification procedures. There would be penalties for those who provide gambling cards to ineligible players, with prison terms of up to two years. and fines of €5,000. Venues such as internet cafés and gaming clubs used for illegal gambling could be shut down for up to a year, with operators facing heavy fines.
Taxation of gambling winnings
The bill also introduces a new tax regime for online gaming winnings, including poker and live casino games. Winnings would be taxed per session. The first €100 would remain tax-free, while winnings of up to €500 would be taxed at 20 per cent, and amounts above €500 at 30 per cent.
Economic Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has argued that illegal gambling drains €1.6 to €2bn annually from the Greek economy, with direct tax losses of around €600m. He pledged that Greece would be “the first European nation to design a specific legislative framework to combat illegal gambling as a criminal and economic threat.”
Data from the EEEP shows that in 2024, 9.5 per cent of the population, approximately 799,000 citizens, engaged with unlicensed gambling at least once.
