Greek authorities are investigating 18 influencers—including well-known rappers and models—in connection with cases involving the promotion of illegal online gambling via the internet and social media.
As revealed by Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis, in a speech to the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission regarding the enforcement of the law against illegal gambling, lawsuits have already been filed and the cases are in the preliminary investigation stage, while sending a clear message that “popularity does not grant immunity, and influence entails responsibility.” “The message to all parties must be one: The internet is not a jungle,” the minister emphasized.
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Mr. Pierrakakis noted that approximately 15,000 websites had been blacklisted, reflecting the scale of the challenge in combating illegal gambling.
He explained that illegal gambling is constantly changing form, taking advantage of the internet, cell phones, platforms, and social media. An illegal website can change its address and reappear very quickly, while an illegal game can reach a large audience through a link, a video, an influencer, or a streamer.
The lawsuits filed against 18 influencers are among the first tangible results of the new legislation to combat illegal gambling, following its enactment last June.
Illegal market worth 1.8 billion euros
According to data presented by the minister, approximately 1.8 billion euros were wagered in the illegal market in 2025. That same year, approximately 900,000 people participated in illegal gambling, while approximately 15,000 websites were added to the blacklist.
According to Mr. Pierrakakis, these figures reflect both the economic dimension of the problem and its social consequences. The illegal market deprives the government of revenue and operates to the detriment of the legal market and businesses that follow the rules.
At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people are exposed to the dangers of illegal gambling. The minister placed particular emphasis on younger people, who are increasingly being targeted by aggressive forms of online marketing.
Illegal gambling is shifting to social media
The problem is becoming more complex as illegal gambling is constantly shifting to the internet, mobile phones, online platforms, and social media. As Mr. Pierrakakis noted, an illegal website can change its address and reappear in a short period of time, while an illegal game can reach a large audience through a link, a video, an influencer, or a streamer.
“Illegal activity is evolving. The government’s response must stay one step ahead,” the minister noted, explaining the rationale behind the changes to the regulatory framework.
The EEE’s New Tools
Last June, the regulatory framework for combating illegal gambling was amended. The Hellenic Gaming Supervision and Control Commission was given stronger tools to carry out its responsibilities more effectively.
At the same time, the Corps of Gaming Inspectors was strengthened with special investigative powers, while the Commission was staffed with 110 permanent positions. Of these, 40 are for specialized scientific staff.
The new framework also provides for the imposition of immediate administrative sanctions for illegal online promotion, with fines of up to 50,000 euros per violation.
The charges against the 18 influencers represent the first known criminal aspect of the new framework’s implementation. These specific cases are currently under preliminary investigation, and their outcome has not yet been announced.
Technology in the Service of Enforcement
The authorities’ goal is not only to impose sanctions after a violation has been detected, but also to identify illegal activity at an earlier stage.
In this context, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) is utilizing new digital tools and artificial intelligence to map illegal networks, to more quickly identify illegal websites and recognize the channels through which they are promoted.
The process involves cooperation with the National Telecommunications and Post Commission and internet service providers to proceed with the blocking of illegal websites.
“Technology cannot serve as a shield for illegality. It must become a tool for combating it,” the minister stated.
Prevention Is Key
Mr. Pierrakakis emphasized that enforcement alone is not enough. Prevention, education, and cooperation with relevant agencies are required to combat addiction, with the protection of minors and young people as a top priority.
“We cannot consider it normal for a new generation to be exposed to gambling at an increasingly early age as part of their daily digital lives,” he stated.
In this context, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEP) is called upon to be present not only during inspections but also on the platforms and social media where the youngest audience is found.
Finally, the minister clarified that political leadership does not dictate who will be monitored nor does it interfere with how the monitoring is conducted, as the EEP is an independent authority. The government’s responsibility, he said, is to establish the appropriate institutional framework and provide the Commission with the necessary staff and technological tools.
Source: Proto Thema
