18 Influencers Under Investigation in Greece for Unlicensed Gambling Promotions

In a decisive move to combat illegal online gambling, Greek authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against 18 influencers and streamers accused of endorsing unlicensed betting platforms. This development marks a significant escalation in Greece’s efforts to regulate the burgeoning online gambling sector. Greece 18 Influencers

The action was announced by the Hellenic Gaming Commission, known locally as EEEP, as part of the country’s broader strategy to tighten controls over illegal gambling activities. The crackdown follows recent legislative changes that empower the regulator with expanded authority, including measures that require banks to block payments associated with unauthorized operators and extend blacklisting protocols to mobile applications.

These enforcement efforts are driven by growing concerns over the scale of the unlicensed market and its potential impact on minors exposed to gambling content online. Officials have emphasized that these cases are part of a wider campaign to curb illegal gambling and protect vulnerable populations.

During the 4th Greek Online Gaming Day, Antonis Bartholomew, President of the Hellenic Gaming Commission, revealed that authorities had already documented 18 cases and had begun criminal proceedings. “Criminal complaints against influencers,” he stated, highlighting the regulator’s focus on social media personalities involved in promoting unlicensed gambling services.
Among the initial targets are five influencers whose collective followers exceed 3 million. The regulator identified individual accounts with audiences ranging from 337,000 to 623,000 followers, illustrating the extensive reach of gambling-related content across social media and streaming platforms.

Bartholomew expressed concern over the increasing influence of influencers and streamers as channels for advertising unauthorized gambling platforms. “He also raised concerns about minors encountering those promotions,” the official noted, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight.

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Data presented at the event painted a stark picture of Greece’s illegal gambling landscape. It is estimated that approximately 900,000 individuals participated in illegal betting activities in 2025 accounting for over 10% of the population. The unlicensed sector reportedly generates around €2 billion annually and results in a loss of approximately €400 million in tax revenue for the state.

The recent legislative reforms, enacted through a bill passed by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, aim to address these issues. The new law broadens the powers of the EEEP by increasing its staff from 80 to 110 and granting it enhanced enforcement capabilities.

Crucially, the law introduces stringent financial controls. Banks, payment processors, and electronic money institutions operating within Greece are now mandated to block transactions linked to unlicensed gambling operators, encompassing both deposits and winnings, as part of the country’s intensified efforts to combat illegal gambling activities. Greece 18 Influencers