The Greek government is set to take a new approach to tackling unlicensed gaming, enabling a far more extensive strategy from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP).
Key to the new roadmap is tapping into AI surveillance and DNS filtering as the gaming regulator looks to tap into strengthened collaboration with the Bank of Greece.
It comes at a time when black market size estimates are drifting around €1.6bn–€1.7bn, triggering urgency from the Greek government to embolden the regulator to enhance its action against the surging issue.
Furthermore, it was a pledge at the start of the year from Greek Economic Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, who emphasised he would fast-track action to tackle the issue, which costs Greece around €600m in tax revenue.
Underpinning the threat, the economic minister detailed that almost 10% of the population had engaged with the black market sector in some form, revealing just how significant the market exposure of unlicensed operators is.
According to reports, around 11,000 sites have already been blocked as a result of the efforts of the EEEP, with the regulator’s permanent workforce increasing from 80 to 110 positions and taking on an enhanced focus on black market gambling eradication.
Key to the new team is specialists in information technology, cyber security, intelligence gathering, market analysis and enforcement. The bill aims to target the promotional channels that gain black market exposure and strengthen the role of black-market operators.
As a result, influencers, streamers, affiliate marketers, digital advertising networks and other online promoters found that advertising unlicensed gambling services will face fines ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 for each infringement.
Furthermore, central to a new approach to enforcement, the Gaming Inspectors Corps will also be boosted by elevated powers for special investigative officers, as inspectors are enabled to initiate criminal investigations directly and work alongside law enforcement authorities in pursuing illegal gambling cases.
The Ministry warned that the illegal gambling threat is growing, with a dedicated and focused enforcement structure the only method to thwart it.
An added evolution in cutting the black market off at source will see internet service providers, advertisers and third parties found facilitating illegal gambling activities being held directly liable for penalties.
Financial sanctions will range from €1,000 to €2m per violation, or per gaming machine where applicable, depending on the severity and frequency of the offence.
Greece’s new strategy comes alongside wider European urgency around tackling the black market, as some quarters of the European Union have even called for an aligned effort in terms of the strategy.
However, Greece’s enhanced efforts will stand as a testament to member states moving in their own direction and ensuring a nuanced approach is taken for their specific market.
