The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP), which oversees gambling activities in Greece, is taking decisive steps to address existing loopholes that enable players to create multiple accounts under different names across various online platforms. This initiative was highlighted at a recent meeting of the commission.
As part of broader reforms aimed at improving player identification, the EEEP is turning its attention toward VIP and high-value customers (HVCs), who are known to wager large sums, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of euros each year.
The Commission has requested detailed information from all 18 licensed gambling operators regarding their processes for registering and retaining these premium players. This includes how they incentivize VIPs through bonuses and hospitality. Although the EEEP claims the data is intended for statistical analysis, insiders in the industry view this as an effort to exert greater control over a segment that has historically faced less regulatory oversight.
A central issue is the concern that enticing benefits for VIP players might inadvertently steer gambling activities away from regulated sites to unlicensed foreign platforms, diminishing tax compliance and eroding regulatory authority.
Currently, online gambling providers individually certify their customers, a process that is now deemed inadequate by Greek regulators. Reports indicate a desire for a more cohesive approach to player verification, pushing for a unified identity certification system. The goal is to create a "single gate" for player verification, likely using the state’s e-Gov platform.
While this platform presently handles license applications for individuals involved in affiliate marketing and other crucial roles within the gambling industry, it does not yet provide a comprehensive verification framework applicable to all players.
A previous plan to establish banks as a central certification hub was scrapped when the General Secretariat for Information Systems cited legal constraints against such a measure.
The online gambling market in Greece has been experiencing consistent growth. Ed Birkin, managing director at H2 Gambling Capital, noted earlier this year that Greece remains an appealing market, showing a robust annual growth rate of 15%. He estimated the current market size at approximately €1.2 billion, with forecasts suggesting it could reach €1.5 billion in the coming years. The rise of online gaming channels has been particularly marked, driven by a demand for greater regulatory clarity and predictability in the sector.
