The draft bill from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, titled:
“Public sector pension reforms, measures to address the energy crisis and boost citizens’ disposable income, wage and tax provisions, provisions regarding the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism, provisions regarding the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission and improvements to the gaming framework, provisions regarding the Public Real Estate Company S.A., and other provisions."
According to the relevant announcement, the provisions of the Draft Law constitute a comprehensive legislative intervention aimed at preventing, detecting, and combating illegal gambling.
In this context:
- The role and powers of the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission (E.E.E.P.) are strengthened so that it can immediately remove illegal online content by identifying involved accounts and websites.
- The Gaming Inspectors Corps is being upgraded, with its members being granted the authority of special investigative officers to investigate criminal offenses related to the gambling market.
- Provisions are made for the immediate closure of establishments for up to one year, as well as the revocation of operating licenses by municipalities, for establishments where illegal gambling takes place.
- Strict administrative and criminal penalties are established for violators, as well as prison sentences for those who obstruct inspections.
More specifically, the provisions provide for:
Strengthening the Gaming Supervision and Control Commission (E.E.E.P.)
- Creation of new permanent positions and regulations regarding personnel matters. Specifically, the total number of permanent positions at the Commission is increased from 80 today to 110. Of these, 70 positions are for administrative staff and the remaining 40 for specialized scientific staff with expertise in gambling.
- Possibility of staff transfer to the Hellenic Gaming Commission, following a relevant application and evaluation by a five-member committee.
- Provisions regarding the Committee’s operation, operating regulations, and regulatory powers.
- The E.E.E.P. formulates the national strategy for responsible gaming and may enter into contracts for supplies and services—such as studies, research, and initiatives—as part of its supervisory role in combating illegal gambling and addressing addiction.
Measures to control illegal online activity
- Compilation of a list of unlicensed gambling providers (“blacklist”), blocking of access, and domain name monitoring.
- Regulation regarding confiscated player funds, addressing the issue of the freezing or seizure of player accounts by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
Administrative sanctions and controls
- Imposition of administrative sanctions on internet service providers and advertisers associated with the illegal organization and operation of games.
- Imposition of a fixed fine ranging from 1,000 to 2,000,000 euros per violation or per gaming machine, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.
- Temporary revocation of a license for up to three months or permanent revocation, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.
- Those who illegally advertise gambling through online channels—such as influencers, streamers, digital ad networks, affiliates, and advertisers—are subject to a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 euros per violation.
Criminal penalties
- For illegal non-gambling games, the penalty is imprisonment for at least three years and a fine ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 euros. Until now, the fine in such cases ranged from 100,000 to 200,000 euros per gaming machine or from 200,000 to 500,000 euros for online operations.
- For illegal gambling, the penalty is imprisonment for at least ten years and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 700,000 euros. Currently, the existing regulations provide for a fine of 700,000 euros and imprisonment for ten years.
- If the organization of illegal gambling is carried out professionally, on a commercial scale, with the participation of underage players, or in an establishment that reopens after a seal has been broken, the penalty is imprisonment for at least ten years and a fine ranging from 100,000 to 800,000 euros. Currently, no such escalation of penalties is provided for.
- The prison sentence for those who organize games of chance without the required licenses and/or certifications is set at a minimum of one year and is accompanied by a fine. If the games organized are games of chance, imprisonment of at least two years and a fine are prescribed.
- Anyone participating in a game of chance organized without a license is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years and a fine, which in the event of a repeat offense increases from 5,000 to 20,000 euros.
Investigative powers
- Investigative powers are granted to the Gaming Control Board.
Taxation of winnings
- Taxation on the winnings of online casino-style gambling players is increased.