Greece files criminal complaints against 18 influencers for promoting illegal online gambling

Criminal referrals and influencer network

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) has submitted a criminal complaint to the Athens First Instance Prosecutor against 18 social media influencers accused of advertising illegal online gambling operations. The investigated accounts, which include musicians and trappers, command a combined reach of 3.6 million followers on Instagram, with the largest single profile counting 623,000 followers. Regulatory investigators found that the group used social media posts, direct links, and video broadcasts to direct users toward 11 unlicensed gambling websites and eight unauthorized gaming providers. The referral marks one of the initial enforcement actions following legislative reforms passed by the Greek Parliament to curb illicit online betting. Authorities confirmed that all 18 cases are now undergoing formal preliminary criminal proceedings.

Market scale and financial impact

The crackdown addresses a parallel market that generated an estimated 1.8 billion euros in illegal wagers across Greece during 2025. Speaking at an EEEP briefing on 6 October 2026, Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis stated that approximately 900,000 citizens participated in unauthorized gaming activities over the same period. Pierrakakis pointed out that the unregulated sector deprives the state treasury of tax revenues while undermining compliant, licensed operators. The minister noted that illegal gambling operators rapidly shift domain names to bypass restrictions and target younger audiences through digital creators.

The internet is not a jungle. Popularity does not offer immunity and influence entails responsibility.

Artificial intelligence and digital enforcement

To track shifting web domains and hidden promotional campaigns, EEEP has integrated artificial intelligence systems and automated digital tools into its monitoring apparatus. The technology maps digital distribution networks and detects unauthorized gaming portals across mobile applications, streaming platforms, and social feeds. Once detected, domains are blocked through coordinated actions involving the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission and internet service providers. Under the current regulatory structure, administrative penalties for unauthorized promotion can reach up to 50,000 euros per violation in addition to criminal liability. Antonios Alexiou, deputy general director of EEEP, stated that illegal operators deliberately recruit online personalities to lend credibility and broaden penetration among social media users.

Whoever uses their reach to promote illegal gambling will be identified and face the consequences.

Expanded authority for gaming inspectors

The enforcement drive follows institutional reforms enacted in June to strengthen state oversight of the gaming sector. The revised legislation granted the Gaming Inspectors Corps formal investigative powers to conduct inquiries into digital financial flows and promotional agreements. To support these operations, EEEP received an allocation of 110 permanent staff positions, including 40 specialized scientific personnel tasked with technical oversight. By 2025, Greek regulators had already placed roughly 15,000 unauthorized websites on the national gambling blacklist. Pierrakakis reaffirmed that state inspectors will continue monitoring online platforms to prevent youth exposure to unregulated gaming networks.