Greek authorities have filed complaints against 18 influencers accused of promoting illegal gambling, with the cases now at the preliminary investigation stage.
Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis confirmed the complaints during a visit to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). He said the action forms part of a wider effort to target the social media promotion of unlicensed gambling.
The HGC has received enhanced powers under Greece’s strengthened regulatory framework, including the ability to act against websites and other online channels that endorse illegal gambling activity.
Greece Expands Enforcement Beyond Operators And Targets Influencer Promotion
Greek authorities previously focused mainly on unlicensed operators. The new approach targets the wider ecosystem supporting the black market, including influencers and online promoters.
Pierrakakis said the investigations remained at an early stage and that no criminal liability had been established.
“The message in each direction should be one: the internet is not a jungle,” he said. “Popularity offers no immunity and influence carries responsibility.”
“Anyone who uses their power and influence to promote illegal gambling should know that they will be tracked down, scrutinised and face the consequences,” he added.
Fines Could Reach €50,000 For Each Unlicensed Gambling Promotion Violation
Under the revised framework, the HGC can issue immediate administrative sanctions for the online promotion of illegal gambling. Fines can reach €50,000 for each violation.
The government has also increased the regulator’s resources, creating around 110 new positions, including 40 specialist scientific roles. Inspectors now have specific investigative powers to support enforcement against illegal gambling promotion.
“Illegal activity evolves,” Pierrakakis said. “The state’s response must stay ahead of it.”
Greece’s position follows similar action elsewhere. Finland recently fined a content creator for promoting offshore casino bonuses, while Spain and New South Wales have also increased scrutiny of gambling influencer marketing.
Greece’s action reflects a wider regulatory shift from targeting only operators to examining the marketing networks that connect unlicensed brands with consumers. Influencers may have viewed gambling promotion as a commercial arrangement separate from licensing obligations, but regulators are treating reach and audience impact as responsibilities.
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