Greece blocks 11,000 illegal Gambling Sites Nationwide.

Greek gambling regulators have blocked more than 11,000 illegal gambling websites as part of an expanded crackdown on the country’s unlicensed online betting market. The enforcement campaign, led by the Hellenic Gaming Commission, targets a black market estimated to generate between €1.6 billion and €1.7 billion annually.

According to the regulator, enforcement remains challenging due to the rapid pace at which illegal operators register new domains, with authorities estimating that up to 10,000 gambling-related websites appear each month. To counter this, the Commission is exploring closer cooperation with Greece’s telecommunications regulator to gain faster access to domain registration data and accelerate site blocking.

Consumer protection, particularly safeguarding minors, has become a central focus of Greece’s regulatory agenda. The Commission’s upcoming 2026–2030 strategic plan places responsible gambling measures at the core of future policy, reflecting growing concern over exposure to illegal platforms.

In parallel, new legislation is being drafted to strengthen enforcement powers. Proposed reforms would allow regulators to immediately suspend advertising linked to illegal gambling, addressing a gap that authorities say has limited current enforcement effectiveness. Licensed operators are also being positioned as key partners in combating the black market, which regulators warn distorts competition and undermines consumer safeguards.

Oversight of land-based gambling is also under review, including licensing frameworks for integrated resort developments and smaller casinos. Meanwhile, technology investments in data analytics and real-time monitoring are expected to enhance supervision.

With financial crime risks rising across Europe, Greece’s crackdown signals a tougher regulatory stance aimed at restoring market integrity, protecting vulnerable players, and reducing the influence of illegal gambling networks.