Greek policymakers are preparing stronger protections for minors as concerns grow about the influence of online betting on young audiences.
The Hellenic National Bioethics and Technoethics Commission has urged the government to adopt a coordinated national strategy aimed at reducing underage exposure to gambling and tightening safeguards around digital betting platforms.
The recommendations focus on stricter advertising controls, stronger identity verification systems and tighter regulation of payment methods commonly used by minors.
Advertising under the spotlight
One of the commission’s key proposals targets gambling marketing.
It recommends limiting betting advertisements during television and radio time slots likely to attract teenage viewers. Authorities are also being encouraged to regulate the frequency and content of online betting promotions, where young audiences are increasingly exposed to gambling brands.
Alongside statutory rules, the advisory body suggested the creation of an industry-led self-regulatory framework overseen by the Hellenic Gaming Commission. The goal would be to raise advertising standards and curb what regulators describe as a growing trend of adolescent gambling behaviour.
Stronger digital identity checks
Another major element involves tightening account verification.
The commission proposes integrating online betting registration systems with Greece’s secure government identity infrastructure. This would allow operators to verify users against official databases and block minors from creating accounts.
Officials also recommended restricting certain payment methods. In particular, the Ministry of Finance has been urged to limit the use of anonymous prepaid cards, which regulators believe are frequently used by younger players to bypass safeguards.
Wider prevention strategy
The recommendations build on existing government initiatives designed to give parents better oversight of their children’s digital activity. Tools for monitoring and authenticating access to online services are already being developed within Greece’s digital governance framework.
At the same time, authorities are increasing pressure on the illegal gambling market. Draft legislation currently under discussion would introduce multi-year prison sentences and significant financial penalties for unlicensed operators, both online and in land-based venues.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission has also signed a three-year cooperation agreement with national health authorities to coordinate prevention, treatment and public awareness programmes starting in 2025.
Combining regulation and education
Taken together, the strategy blends several approaches. Advertising restrictions, school awareness campaigns and parental oversight tools aim to reduce demand among young audiences. Meanwhile, stronger identity checks and payment controls are designed to block underage access at the technical level.
For Greek regulators, the objective is clear: ensure that the growth of the country’s online betting market does not come at the expense of younger consumers.