Greece Tightens Player Protection: Specialist Partner Sought for Digital ID Checks

Greece is setting new standards for the protection of online gamblers. The Hellenic Gambling Commission, or EEEP, has issued a tender for a specialist partner. The goal is to significantly improve digital identification procedures. The authority aims to ensure a more responsible and secure online gambling environment in Greece.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to more strictly regulate the country's gambling market. New technical structures are intended to strengthen "Know Your Customer" processes. These are designed to better protect licensees from fraud, financial crime, and underage gambling.

Numbers and facts

The EEEP is specifically looking for a technical and legal partner. This partner will develop and improve the framework for secure player identification, as well as the certification and verification of their identity. The contract for legal expertise runs until the end of 2026 or covers up to 190 hours of consultation, valued at 28,500 Euros. During this period, three progress reports are planned, containing proposals to strengthen the Greek player monitoring system.

The need for action is significant. According to reports, approximately 900,000 people in Greece participated in illegal gambling in 2025. This represents over 10 percent of the total population. The black market is estimated to generate about 2 billion Euros annually, costing the state about 400 million Euros in revenue. In another step, the EEEP has already filed criminal complaints against 18 influencers and streamers. These individuals allegedly promoted unauthorized betting platforms. Antonis Bartholomew, the President of the EEEP, described this as a "significant escalation in the country's crackdown on the promotion of illegal online gambling." He made these remarks at the 4th Greek Online Gaming Day.

“The growing role of influencers and streamers in advertising unauthorised gambling services had become one of the authority’s biggest challenges.” - Antonis Bartholomew, President of the EEEP

Background

The Greek government is determined to comprehensively reform the gambling market. A recently passed law by the Ministry of Economy and Finance includes far-reaching changes. These include increasing the EEEP’s staff from 80 to 110 employees. Additionally, banks will be required to take more active measures against illegal transactions by identifying suspicious accounts. These measures demonstrate the seriousness with which Greek authorities are addressing the issue of illegal gambling. They are attempting to make the regulated market safer and more attractive. This is a common pattern in EU countries facing similar problems. European alignment in regulatory matters is a recurring theme, even if individual countries enact their own laws.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the developments in Greece initially mean no direct changes. The German online gambling market is regulated by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) licenses and supervises German online casinos. The GGL places great importance on player protection. Those who play in a GGL-licensed casino benefit from strict rules. These include a deposit limit of 1,000 Euros per month and a stake limit of 1 Euro per spin for online slot machines. The connection to LUGAS, a cross-state blocking system, also serves to protect players. These measures are already well-established in Germany to prevent fraud and gambling addiction. Greece now appears to be moving in a similar direction to improve youth protection and money laundering prevention. The European convergence in regulatory matters is a recurring theme, even though individual countries issue their own laws.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos, the developments in Greece are a sign of the Europe-wide trend towards stricter regulations. Although the direct impact on GGL-licensed casinos is minor, the EEEP's initiative shows that regulatory authorities throughout the EU take player protection seriously. German providers already meet high standards in identity verification and anti-money laundering measures. This is essential for my editorial recommendation. The goal is always to offer a safe and transparent gaming experience. Those who play in a GGL casino can rely on compliance with these requirements. My recommendation is therefore clear: stick to legal, GGL-licensed providers. Only these offer the necessary security and protection that we all deserve. A casino with an MGA, Curacao, or UKGC license does not offer the same level of protection for German players.