Greece calls for stronger safeguards to reduce underage gambling risks

Concerns about the exposure of young people to gambling are gaining renewed attention in Greece. The Hellenic National Committee on Bioethics and Technoethics has urged the government to reinforce safeguards aimed at protecting minors from gambling related risks, particularly as online betting services and digital gaming platforms continue to expand.

The committee’s observations follow recent research indicating that gambling activity among young people may be rising. Experts involved in the report warned that adolescents face increasing exposure to betting services through mobile technology, social media and digital entertainment platforms. They emphasised that the rapid evolution of the online gambling market requires updated policy responses that reflect the realities of modern digital environments.

The committee’s report also addressed the influence of advertising, sponsorships in sports and the accessibility of online gambling platforms. Taken together, these factors are believed to contribute to an environment where young audiences may encounter gambling related content more frequently than in previous years.

Growing concerns about youth exposure to gambling

According to the committee, the rapid expansion of online betting and igaming services has transformed the accessibility of gambling. Digital platforms now allow users to access betting products through smartphones, tablets and computers from almost any location.

This shift has raised concerns among policymakers and public health specialists who monitor the impact of digital environments on younger audiences. Adolescents are particularly active users of online communication tools and shared gaming spaces. As a result they may encounter gambling related content through channels that blend entertainment, gaming and sports.

Experts involved in the committee’s review pointed out that many online betting products incorporate features that resemble multiplayer video games. These similarities can make gambling services appear familiar to teenagers who regularly interact with digital games. In certain cases the visual design, reward systems and competitive elements may overlap with those found in popular gaming platforms.

The committee stressed that these similarities do not necessarily mean that gaming platforms promote gambling. However the convergence of digital gaming and betting environments may increase the likelihood that young people encounter gambling related content earlier than in the past.

Data signals a rise in young adults seeking treatment

The report also referred to data from the National Organisation for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions, which tracks trends in behavioural addictions including gambling.

According to the organisation’s figures, between 2022 and 2025 the number of individuals aged 18 to 25 seeking treatment for gambling related disorders “almost quadrupled.” While the data relates primarily to young adults rather than minors, experts believe the trend highlights the need for early prevention strategies.

Public health specialists often view early exposure to gambling as a factor that may influence behaviour later in life. For this reason many policymakers support preventative measures designed to limit the presence of gambling content in environments where young audiences are active.

The committee also noted that Greece ranks among European countries with comparatively high levels of gambling participation among 16 year olds. These findings reinforce the argument that regulatory oversight and awareness campaigns remain important components of national gambling policy.

Advertising and sports sponsorship under scrutiny

Another key issue highlighted in the report is the relationship between sports culture and gambling marketing. Advertising for betting services frequently appears during sports broadcasts, on digital media platforms and through sponsorship agreements with teams or athletes.

The committee argued that such marketing can strengthen the perceived connection between professional sports and betting activities. For young viewers who follow football, basketball or other major sports competitions, the repeated presence of betting brands may create the impression that gambling is a routine element of sports fandom.

In response to these concerns the report recommends adjustments to advertising practices. These proposals include reducing gambling advertisements during periods when large teenage audiences are likely to be watching television or streaming sports content.

The committee also suggested reviewing the frequency and placement of gambling advertisements online. Digital marketing strategies often rely on targeted promotion and algorithm based content distribution. Regulators may therefore need to evaluate how advertising standards apply in digital environments where users of different age groups share the same platforms.

Recommendations to strengthen protections for minors

The committee’s report outlines several policy options that could help reduce the exposure of minors to gambling related content and services.

One recommendation involves limiting the broadcast scheduling of gambling advertisements on radio and television during times associated with youth viewership. Similar restrictions could also apply to online promotional campaigns.

Another proposal calls for the establishment of a strengthened self regulatory framework for gambling advertising. Under this approach the industry would collaborate with regulators to ensure that promotional materials follow strict standards designed to avoid appealing to minors.

The report also emphasises the importance of identity verification systems. It proposes integrating user verification processes for gambling services with the government’s secure digital identification infrastructure. Such integration could make it more difficult for minors to create accounts on betting platforms.

Additionally the committee encouraged the Ministry of Finance to consider restrictions on anonymous prepaid cards that may be used to access gambling services. Limiting such payment methods could improve transparency in digital transactions and reduce opportunities for underage access.

Legislative action targeting illegal gambling

Efforts to address gambling related concerns are also taking place within Greece’s legislative framework. The minimum legal age for gambling in the country is 21 which is higher than the threshold in several other European jurisdictions.

In recent developments Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis presented a bill aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal gambling operations. The proposed legislation introduces a range of stricter measures intended to deter unlicensed gaming activities.

Under the proposed framework operating gambling services without proper authorisation could carry a minimum prison sentence of three years along with financial penalties. In more serious cases offenders could face up to ten years in prison and fines ranging from €50,000 to €100,000.

The legislation was developed in cooperation with the Hellenic Gaming Commission, also known as EEEP, which is responsible for regulating the gambling sector in Greece.

Municipal authorities would receive additional powers under the proposal. They could impose immediate closures on venues found hosting illegal gambling activities and also enforce longer term shutdowns. Operating licences could also be revoked where appropriate.

The proposed measures also address internet cafés which authorities often associate with unlicensed gambling activity. These venues would be subject to stricter licensing requirements if the bill becomes law.

Penalties for participation in illegal gambling

The legislative proposal also outlines penalties for individuals who participate in unlicensed gambling games. According to the draft provisions those caught engaging in illegal betting could face up to two years in prison and financial fines.

Repeat offences would lead to stronger sanctions. Individuals who repeatedly participate in illegal gambling could face prison sentences of at least two years along with fines ranging from €5,000 to €20,000.

The bill further specifies penalties for individuals who attempt to interfere with regulatory inspections. Anyone obstructing official checks could face a prison sentence of at least three years.

While the legislation focuses primarily on enforcement against illegal operators it forms part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of the gambling sector.

A broader discussion about digital responsibility

The committee’s recommendations and the government’s legislative initiatives reflect a broader discussion about the role of digital technologies in shaping youth behaviour.

Online platforms have become central to everyday communication, entertainment and commerce. As gambling services adapt to these environments regulators face the challenge of ensuring that consumer protection frameworks evolve at the same pace.

Experts often emphasise that responsible gambling policies require cooperation between government authorities, regulators, industry operators and public health organisations. Educational programmes aimed at young people and parents are also frequently cited as valuable tools for raising awareness.

Conclusion

The call from the Hellenic National Committee on Bioethics and Technoethics highlights a growing international conversation about how digital environments influence gambling exposure among younger audiences. While online betting platforms offer new forms of entertainment and economic activity they also introduce regulatory challenges that governments must address carefully.

Greece’s current discussion reflects an effort to balance technological innovation with consumer protection. By considering limits on advertising, strengthening identity verification systems and tightening enforcement against illegal gambling operators authorities aim to reduce potential risks for minors while maintaining a regulated market for adults.

The combination of policy recommendations and proposed legislation suggests that Greece is seeking a comprehensive response to the issue. Continued dialogue between regulators, health experts and industry participants will likely shape the next phase of the country’s approach to responsible gambling and youth protection.

FAQs

What concerns prompted the Greek bioethics committee to issue its warning about gambling exposure?
The committee observed research indicating a potential rise in gambling activity among young people and increased exposure through online platforms and digital environments.

Why are online gambling platforms considered a particular concern for adolescents?
Online betting platforms are accessible through smartphones and computers which makes them easier to reach. Some products also resemble digital games which may appear familiar to teenagers.

What role does advertising play in youth exposure to gambling?
Advertising during sports broadcasts and digital media can increase visibility of betting brands which may reinforce the association between sports and gambling among younger viewers.

What data indicates rising gambling related problems among young adults in Greece?
Figures from the National Organisation for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions show that the number of 18 to 25 year olds seeking treatment for gambling disorders almost quadrupled between 2022 and 2025.

What is the legal age for gambling in Greece?
The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in Greece is 21.

What measures are proposed to reduce gambling advertising exposure for minors?
The report recommends limiting advertising during time periods likely to attract teenage audiences and reviewing the frequency and placement of digital advertisements.

How could identity verification help prevent underage gambling?
Integrating gambling account verification with the government’s digital identification systems could make it harder for minors to create accounts on betting platforms.

What new measures are proposed in the Greek bill targeting illegal gambling?
The bill introduces stricter penalties including prison sentences and fines for operating unlicensed gambling services and grants municipalities the authority to close venues involved in such activities.

Can individuals be penalised for participating in illegal gambling games?
Yes. Under the proposed legislation individuals who participate in unlicensed gambling could face prison sentences and financial penalties.

Why is cooperation between regulators and the gambling industry considered important?
Collaboration helps ensure that advertising standards, consumer protection policies and responsible gambling measures are implemented effectively across the sector.