Greece Acts to Protect Youth from Escalating Online Betting Threats
The Hellenic National Bioethics and Technoethics Commission has issued a strong call for decisive and unified action to shield Greek youth from the escalating dangers of online betting. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the commission advocates for a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies and industry participants alike. Greece Youth Betting
Among their key recommendations are enhanced safeguards around marketing practices, including stricter rules on advertising content and scheduling. They suggest limiting the exposure of young audiences to betting ads during hours when teenagers are most likely to be watching. This involves imposing statutory restrictions on radio and TV broadcasts and establishing new regulations governing online advertisement frequency and content. The commission also proposes implementing a self-regulatory framework led by the industry, under the oversight of the Hellenic Gaming Commission, to uphold advertising standards and combat the rising trend of adolescent problem gambling.
To prevent minors from accessing betting platforms, the commission emphasizes the importance of integrating user verification with the government’s secure ID system. This would effectively block underage users from creating accounts. Additionally, they recommend restricting the use of anonymous prepaid cards, a payment method often exploited by younger gamblers. The Ministry of Finance is called upon to take steps in this direction.
These measures are part of Greece’s broader efforts to empower parents with digital tools for monitoring their children’s online activity. The government is also taking a tougher stance against illegal gambling operations, proposing legislation that would impose lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines on unlicensed operators, targeting both online and land-based illicit venues.
In a move to bolster prevention, the Hellenic Gaming Commission has established a three-year memorandum of understanding with health authorities, aiming to coordinate early intervention strategies, treatment programs, and public education campaigns set for 2025.
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Overall, Greece’s comprehensive approach combines demand side initiatives such as advertising restrictions, educational programs, and parental controls with supply-side measures like rigorous identity verification and financial controls, all aimed at protecting its youth from the mounting risks associated with online betting. Greece Youth Betting
