Greek Gambling Commission Seeks to Reduce Minors' Online Exposure

14 October 2026

The Hellenic Gaming Commission has proposed stringent new measures to limit minors' access to online gambling and betting in Greece. If implemented, these proposals would curb advertising visible to younger audiences, enhance identity verification processes, and restrict payment methods frequently used by minors.

These recommendations emerge as the government addresses growing concerns about addiction and gambling-related harm among Greek adolescents. Currently open for public feedback, the draft measures target what officials identify as key vulnerabilities enabling underage access to potentially harmful online gambling services.

Stricter Advertising Controls for Broadcast Media and Sports

A cornerstone proposal focuses on gambling advertisements targeting young audiences across digital and broadcast platforms. The Commission aims to establish clear restrictions on ads shown during television and radio programming with significant youth viewership, including live and recorded sports broadcasts. Additional limitations would apply to both the frequency and content of such advertisements.

The proposal suggests granting regulatory authority to the National Council for Radio and Television (ESR) to enforce these new restrictions, though no definitive implementation schedule has been announced. The Commission also advocates for collaborative industry efforts to develop more comprehensive self-regulatory advertising guidelines.

Enhanced Identity Verification Requirements

Another significant measure would mandate digital state identification for online gambling access. This approach seeks to prevent underage participation by requiring age verification before users can even view platform content, rather than only during account registration.

To address payment-related vulnerabilities, the Commission also proposes prohibiting anonymous prepaid debit cards. These payment methods, requiring minimal verification while allowing account funding, are reportedly popular among younger gambling customers.

Current Advertising Regulations

The proposed changes would build upon Greece's existing gambling advertising framework, which currently mandates pre-approval for advertisements and requires responsible gambling messaging—including age restrictions and support service information. However, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms have faced criticism for perceived inadequacies.

Recent controversy has surrounded the Hellenic Gaming Commission regarding allegations that certain betting operators circumvent mandatory single-identity verification systems designed to link individual users with their account activity and spending records.