Greece is stepping up its fight against illegal gambling, with authorities preparing tougher penalties aimed at shrinking the country’s sizeable black market.
The government in Greece says unlicensed gambling activity cost the state roughly €400 million in lost tax revenue last year, prompting lawmakers to draft stricter enforcement measures targeting both operators and those who promote illegal platforms.
The crackdown is being coordinated alongside the country’s gambling regulator, the Hellenic Gaming Commission, which oversees Greece’s licensed online betting and casino sector.
Officials say the new approach will include stronger prison sentences and higher financial penalties for individuals and companies involved in illegal gambling operations. Importantly, the proposed measures would also extend liability beyond operators to include advertisers, affiliates, and promoters who help direct players to unlicensed sites.
In other words, the net is getting wider.
Greece Targets Offshore Gambling Operators
Illegal gambling has been a persistent challenge for Greece despite the country’s regulated online betting market.
Authorities estimate that a significant share of online gambling activity still flows through offshore websites, which operate without Greek licenses and therefore outside the country’s consumer protection and tax systems.
Many of these platforms attract players by offering fewer restrictions, aggressive promotions, or easier access compared with regulated operators.
The government argues that such platforms not only undermine legitimate businesses but also expose players to greater risks.
“These illegal sites operate without oversight and provide little protection for players,” regulators have repeatedly warned in public statements about the black market.
The new enforcement measures aim to push more gambling activity toward the country’s licensed operators, improving consumer safeguards while ensuring tax revenue remains within the regulated economy.
Protecting the Regulated Market
Greece legalized and reorganized its online gambling market in 2021, introducing a licensing system for sports betting and online casino operators.
Since then, a number of international betting brands have entered the regulated market, paying licensing fees and taxes in exchange for legal access to Greek players.
But regulators say the presence of offshore competitors continues to distort the market.
By strengthening penalties for illegal operators and anyone promoting them, the government hopes to reduce the appeal and visibility of black-market sites.
Advertising restrictions are expected to play a key role. Draft proposals would impose fines and potential criminal liability on individuals or companies that promote illegal gambling platforms, including through digital marketing or affiliate networks.
For an industry heavily reliant on online advertising and affiliate traffic, that could significantly limit the reach of unlicensed brands.
A Broader European Trend
Greece is not alone in targeting illegal online gambling.
Across Europe, regulators are increasing pressure on black-market operators as online casino and sports betting continue to grow.
Countries such as Italy, France, and Spain have all introduced tougher enforcement tools in recent years, including payment blocking, advertising restrictions, and domain shutdowns.
The goal is the same across jurisdictions: channel players toward licensed operators where consumer protections, responsible-gambling tools, and anti-money-laundering safeguards are in place.
What Happens Next
The proposed measures are currently under discussion as part of Greece’s broader strategy to strengthen its gambling oversight framework.
If adopted, the new rules could introduce significantly higher penalties for illegal gambling activity, including prison terms for operators and fines targeting those who help promote offshore platforms.
For Greece’s regulated gambling industry, the move could help level the playing field. For illegal operators, it sends a clear message.
The government intends to make the black market a far riskier bet.
