Greek gaming regulator urges crackdown on illegal gaming

Jenny Ortiz March 14, 2024

In a bid to address the escalating concerns surrounding illegal gambling activities, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) of Greece released data on illegal gaming in 2023.

The findings have spurred a call to action for concerted efforts from the government to combat the pervasive black market.

Dimitris Dzanatos, chairman of EEEP underscored the pressing need to tackle the twin challenges of revenue loss and the burgeoning involvement of youth in gambling pursuits.

One in ten Greek engages in unauthorized games??

Drawing from data collected through a comprehensive survey conducted by KAPA Research, the regulatory body revealed that an alarming 10.4 percent of the Greek populace engaged in unauthorized games of chance last year.

The extrapolation of these findings revealed staggering financial implications, with an estimated €1.7 billion funnelled into illegal wagers, split between €1 billion in online platforms and €700 million in land-based establishments.

These revelations were disclosed during a presentation at an anti-illegal betting conference in Athens, spearheaded by Dimitrios Papadopoulos, head of the EEEP’s general directorate of supervision and operational operations.

Balanced approach eyed??

Building upon these revelations, Dzanatos seized the opportunity to advocate for a balanced approach, drawing upon the wisdom of the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid in his plea for finding a “golden ratio” between stringent regulations and effective redirection of players away from illicit channels.

Citing the inevitability of technological advancements fuelling the expansion of such illicit activities, Dzanatos cautioned against superficial remedies, emphasizing the imperative for enduring partnerships between regulatory authorities, law enforcement agencies, financial supervisory bodies, and legitimate gaming providers.

Official calls for multi-sectoral collaboration??

Echoing sentiments expressed earlier at a roundtable discussion in Athens, Dzanatos reiterated the necessity for robust collaboration with various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of National Affairs of Economy and Finance, Ministries of Citizen Protection and Justice, the Bank of Greece, and anti-money laundering authorities.

Stressing the multifaceted repercussions of illegal gambling, he underscored the imperative for swift and decisive action to safeguard both societal well-being and economic stability.