The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) in Greece is taking decisive action to close loopholes that permit players to register multiple accounts using different names across various gaming platforms. This initiative was discussed at a recent meeting hosted by the EEEP, which oversees gambling activities in the country.
In addition to broader reforms for player identification, the Commission is focusing its scrutiny on VIPs and high-value customers (HVCs) who may wager substantial amounts, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of euros each year.
The EEEP has solicited information from all 18 licensed operators regarding how they register, track, and incentivize these premium players, including the types of bonuses and hospitality offered. Officials at the Commission claim this data is for statistical purposes; however, industry insiders see it as a step toward better regulating a sector that has previously experienced more relaxed oversight.
A primary concern is that excessive perks for VIP players could unintentionally drive gambling away from licensed local operators toward unregulated foreign sites, thereby jeopardizing tax compliance and oversight.
Currently, the process for certifying online gamblers is individual-based, which regulators deem insufficient for the Greek market. Reports indicate they are advocating for a unified, reliable player verification system. A significant goal is to establish a "single gate" for certification, potentially utilizing the state’s e-Gov platform.
While the platform currently manages license applications for individuals involved in affiliate promotion and other essential roles within the gambling industry, it lacks a comprehensive verification system for all players. An earlier effort to designate banks as a certification hub was abandoned due to the General Secretariat for Information Systems declaring a lack of legal authority for implementing such a system.
Greece's gambling sector has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. Ed Birkin, managing director at H2 Gambling Capital, stated earlier this year that Greece’s gaming market is now a robust €1.2 billion, with projections suggesting it could reach €1.5 billion within the next few years. Online channels have seen particularly significant expansion, with regulatory clarity being cited as a primary factor driving the concentration of gaming activities in Greece.
