The Hellenic Gaming Commission has blocked more than 11,000 gambling-linked websites as the Greek gambling regulator ups its enforcement ante against illegal online betting.
The Commission’s enforcement comes as part of a wide crackdown on a black market it estimates is worth up to €1.7bn ($1.9bn) annually.
stricter regulations, stronger enforcement tools, and new technologies”
According to Greek City Times, the move underlines a rising concern over the scale of unregulated online gambling in the Mediterranean country, as authorities push for “stricter regulations, stronger enforcement tools, and new technologies aimed at protecting consumers and vulnerable groups.”
The Greek regulator, however, stated that despite the crackdown, illegal operators adapt fast, with “an estimated 10,000 new gambling-related domains registered each month.”
The Hellenic body is also reassessing Greece’s brick-and-mortar casino framework, including rules governing integrated resort-casinos (IRCs). Despite two major IRCs set to open near Athens and in Maroussi by 2028, the Commission stated “clearer licensing and operational rules are needed to ensure alignment with regional development goals.”
Like the US and Turkey, Greece also had a major gambling scandal this year. In September the Hellenic Anti-Money Laundering Authority uncovered a suspected money laundering scheme that linked around 200 people, including members of the government and public officials.
