Greece recruits 40 staff for new gambling enforcement division

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) has been granted a budget to recruit 40 positions for its new Inspection and Enforcement division, the Greek gambling authority announced.

Eligible applicants include permanent public employees and staff employed by qualifying public bodies or private-sector IT organisations, according to the regulator.

Strengthened framework against illegal gambling

The recruitment drive follows Greece’s adoption in June of a strengthened framework against illegal gambling, led by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

The legislation provides for prison sentences of at least 10 years and financial penalties ranging from €50,000 to €700,000 for conducting illegal games of chance, the ministry said. Aggravated offences carry financial penalties of €100,000 to €800,000, alongside imprisonment of at least 10 years.

The EEEP’s Inspection and Enforcement unit will be granted special investigative powers under the new framework.

Black market activity

According to figures presented by Pierrakakis on 6 October, the black market accounted for approximately €1.8bn in gambling activity during 2025, involving around 900,000 people.

Earlier ministry estimates, based on 2024 research, put illegal activity at €1.67bn and associated annual state revenue losses at approximately €500m.

Complaints have been filed against 18 influencers over the alleged promotion of illegal gambling on social media networks, with those cases undergoing preliminary investigation, the ministry said.