Greek Gambling Black Market Threat: Hellenic Gaming Commission Calls for Organized Action

The Hellenic Gaming Commission has expressed growing concerns over the infiltration of unlicensed gambling, stressing the need for a more cohesive strategy against these illegal operations.

At the 27th Economist Conference on Online Gaming, the commission’s president, Dimitris Dzanatos, underscored the detrimental effects of such unauthorized activities on the Greek gambling market. He pinpointed them as a source of “significant financial loss and unequal competition.”

Dzanatos emphasized the substantial amounts players are wagering with these illegal entities. He appealed for a combined effort from the government, independent authorities, and service providers. “We must fortify our collaborative initiatives to ensure safe play while addressing associated issues and societal impacts,” he stated.

Previously, the Hellenic Gaming Commission sought feedback on a series of potential new player safety protocols. Pending approval from Greece’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, these proposals encompass the establishment of a national self-exclusion register.

Managed by the regulator, this register would empower players to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling for a duration ranging from one week to ten months. Once the chosen interval concludes, players can opt back in.

Further suggestions during the consultation period involved the inception of player cards, enabling casino visits linked to online player profiles. Simultaneously, licensed operators would be mandated to equip their personnel with comprehensive knowledge on gambling regulations through targeted educational and training modules. A dedicated training supervisor should be prepared to share insights about this training with the regulator when needed.

Tags: #GreekGambling #UnlicensedOperations #HellenicGamingCommission #PlayerProtection #SelfExclusion #Regulation