Greece to Recruit 40 Specialists for New Illegal Gambling Enforcement Unit
Greece.- 22 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) has announced a recruitment programme to appoint 40 professionals to its new Inspection and Enforcement division, strengthening efforts to combat illegal gambling and betting operations across Greece.
Announced on 21 October 2026, the initiative has received dedicated budgetary approval and forms part of the regulatory reforms adopted by the Greek Government in June.
The objective is to expand the authorities’ ability to investigate illegal networks, disrupt unauthorised platforms and pursue those responsible for black-market gambling operations.
Illegal Gambling Market Estimated at €1.8 Billion
Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis presented updated figures on 6 October highlighting the scale of Greece’s illegal gambling market.
According to official estimates:
- €1.8 billion: estimated illegal gambling activity during 2025.
- 900,000 people: estimated participants in unauthorised gambling activities.
- €1.67 billion: estimated illegal market value based on 2024 research.
- €500 million: estimated annual government revenue losses linked to illegal gambling.
The authorities consider these figures evidence of the need for stronger enforcement and prevention measures.
New Investigative Powers and Specialist Recruitment
The Inspection and Enforcement division will recruit 40 specialist personnel.
Eligible applicants include permanent civil servants and staff from qualifying public bodies, alongside certain professionals from information technology organisations.
Unlike traditional enforcement measures focused primarily on blocking illegal websites, the division will be equipped to investigate the individuals and networks behind unauthorised gambling operations.
Its priorities will include:
- Identifying illegal gambling operators and criminal networks.
- Investigating suspicious financial and commercial activities.
- Detecting unauthorised platforms and domains.
- Tracking digital advertising and promotional channels.
- Cooperating with judicial and law enforcement authorities.
Tougher Prison Sentences and Financial Penalties
Legislative reforms approved in June introduced stronger criminal penalties for illegal gambling operations.
The framework includes:
- Prison sentences of at least ten years for certain serious offences.
- Fines ranging from €50,000 to €700,000 for illegal gambling offences covered by the relevant provisions.
- Penalties of €100,000 to €800,000 for aggravated violations.
Aggravating circumstances include organised commercial operations, the involvement of minors and reopening premises following enforcement closures.
The measures are designed to strengthen the legal consequences for operators conducting gambling activities outside the regulated market.
Artificial Intelligence and Social Media Enforcement
The Greek Government also plans to deploy digital tools and artificial intelligence to identify illegal networks and track their promotional activities.
Pierrakakis highlighted how technology can help authorities establish connections between unauthorised operators, websites and advertising channels.
Initial enforcement measures include preliminary investigations involving 18 influencers, accused of allegedly promoting illegal gambling services through social media.
The minister also criticised digital platforms for failing to sufficiently prevent the distribution of unauthorised gambling advertisements.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
The Ministry of National Economy and Finance is working with the Ministry of Justice to strengthen coordination between public authorities.
The priority is to combine investigative powers with mechanisms capable of supporting legal proceedings against individuals and organisations involved in illegal gambling.
For the iGaming industry, Greece’s approach illustrates the growing importance of specialist enforcement teams, criminal penalties, artificial intelligence and institutional cooperation.
The establishment of the new division represents an important step in implementing the regulatory framework approved during 2026.
Editó: @fonta
