The Hellenic National Committee on Bioethics and Technoethics has urged the Greek government to introduce stronger safeguards against underage gambling exposure.

Gambling activity among minors has been on the rise in Greece. The advisory body has warned that the rapid expansion of online betting and iGaming platforms is increasing risks for adolescents.

In a new report, the committee said young people are particularly vulnerable because of their familiarity with digital communication platforms and shared online gaming environments. It noted that participation in online betting can appear similar to multiplayer video games, making it easier for adolescents to engage with gambling services.

The report also raised concerns about the intensity of gambling advertising across sports broadcasts, online media and sponsorships involving athletes and teams, arguing that these marketing practices strengthen the link between professional sport and betting.

The worries over gambling advertising have become widespread in recent times, particularly across Europe. For example, these concerns in Greece have been mirrored by Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), which has been issuing warnings and fines to operators which have breached new regulations introduced in the Netherlands regarding the topic. 

According to the Greek committee, the widespread availability of mobile and online betting platforms means gambling is now accessible “from anywhere” via smartphones or computers, including through illegal operators.

Data cited from the National Organisation for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions suggests the scale of the problem is growing. Between 2022 and 2025, the number of people aged 18-25 seeking help for gambling disorders in Greece “almost quadrupled”, while the country “has among the highest rates of gambling participation and excessive gambling among 16-year-olds in Europe”.

Committee makes case for gov’t action

The committee recommended several policy measures, including stricter rules on gambling advertising during sports broadcasts, tighter oversight of online marketing and stronger identity verification systems. 

One proposal would involve using the government’s digital identity infrastructure to verify users’ ages before allowing access to betting platforms.

It also called for education initiatives led by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs to inform adolescents about the risks of gambling addiction.

Greek law already prohibits access to gambling for minors and even restricts participation for adults under 21. However, the committee said technological loopholes can allow users to bypass identity verification systems, creating both ethical and regulatory challenges.

The Greek black market clampdown

There is also the issue of unlicensed operators, which have become rife in the country. The topic has become a hotbed for news in Greece in the last few months as authorities look to clamp down on illegal and unethical practices, exemplified by news this week.

It was reported in Greek media that police dismantled a network which allegedly generated more than €16m (£13.8m) through unlicensed gambling platforms operating across 37 storefronts in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras.

According to reports from public broadcaster ERT3, 35 people were arrested, including alleged ringleaders and software developers accused of supplying illegal gaming systems. Authorities said the group used remotely operated software that manipulated game outcomes while laundering proceeds from the operation.

Problems with illegal gambling are far from a rarity in the Mediterranean country. Greek government data indicates that nearly 800,000 citizens engaged in illegal gambling in 2024, generating an estimated €1.67bn in turnover and depriving the state of approximately €400m in annual revenues.

The bioethics committee said tackling illegal gambling markets and limiting the exposure of minors to betting services must be key priorities for regulators as digital gambling continues to expand, not just in Greece, but globally. 

It is yet to be seen whether the Greek government will heed the advice of the committee and introduce yet more stipulations around gambling in the rapidly growing market.