Greece Introduces DNS Blocking Powers To Tackle Illegal Gambling Websites

Greece has approved a new cooperation framework to improve enforcement against illegal gambling websites through faster domain blocking and DNS based intervention.

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) announced the initiative with the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT), introducing a more sophisticated approach to curbing illegal operators.

These measures were drafted by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis as part of the government’s new Gambling Framework bill to modernise regulation. 

Instead of solely relying on a public blacklist, the EEEP will integrate restricted domains into a dedicated Response Policy Zone within its DNS server. The regulator believes this will allow authorities to react more quickly as illegal operators shift between domains, applications and digital services to evade enforcement.

The legislation also gives the EETT a formal role in establishing the technical standards governing how telecommunications infrastructure connects with the EEEP’s DNS systems following consultation between both regulators.

Weekly domain monitoring will make enforcement more proactive

The cooperation framework introduces a structured intelligence sharing process between the two authorities. Under the new system, the EETT will submit weekly reports listing newly registered “.gr” domains, together with other country code domains operating within Greece.

The EEEP will compare new registrations against its database to determine whether they are connected, or likely to be connected, to unauthorised gambling activity. Where suspicious domains are identified, the regulator can instruct the relevant registry to suspend them.

Furthermore, the regulator will supervise the temporary deactivation of those domains and prevent them from being registered again for two months. Authorities may also remove domains permanently from the “.gr” or “.ελ” registries if necessary.

The changes are intended to move enforcement beyond traditional website blocking by allowing regulators to identify and disrupt illegal gambling operations early.

Gambling reforms introduce stricter penalties and higher regulatory powers

The DNS framework is part of gambling reforms to expand the EEEP’s supervisory responsibilities and digital enforcement capabilities. It introduces new technical standards covering domain management, operational procedures and risk classification while increasing penalties for illegal gambling offences.

Individuals and businesses found facilitating unlawful gambling activities could face multi-million euro administrative fines. The gravest criminal offences will carry prison sentences of up to 10 years, showing that the government now ranks illegal gambling as a major organised economic crime.

Technology investment supports Greece’s long-term strategy

Furthermore, the EEEP has launched a tender to appoint a cybersecurity and information systems partner to improve player verification, know your customer procedures and anti-money laundering controls.

The regulator is also awaiting parliamentary approval for additional funding that would expand its workforce from 80 to more than 100 specialist employees. The new team will focus on intelligence gathering, digital investigations and disrupting illegal gambling networks.

Greek authorities estimate the country’s online gambling black market is worth around €2 billion annually. The government believes the reforms will place Greece among the leading European jurisdictions combating illegal gambling with technology to protect vulnerable citizens and its economy. 

Greece has announced a new framework for regulating illegal gambling within its borders. The country’s gambling commission is partnering with the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission to share intelligence and monitor new gambling sites weekly for unauthorised activity. This will facilitate early detection of illegal operators and quick enforcement.