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Greek regulators join forces to stop the rise of gambling addiction

A new stage in the fight against gambling addiction is beginning in Greece. Leading gambling and healthcare regulators have signed an agreement on joint measures for the prevention and treatment of addiction. But why has this issue come to the forefront now? How has the situation changed amid the rapid growth of iGaming and betting, and how serious has the problem become for society?

Rapid growth of the gambling market in Greece

Over the past ten years, Greece’s gambling market has undergone remarkable changes. After 2014, the country experienced a real boom in betting and iGaming, that is, online money games. New laws allowed numerous operators to emerge, and consumer interest in sports betting and virtual casinos continued to grow year after year.

Statistical reports show an increase in the number of users and the volume of bets. According to data on this website, the popularity of IPL betting apps on Android devices is growing. And if we look at the sports more popular in Greece, the growth rates there are even more impressive. The same can be said about online casino apps. The number of games in such apps far exceeds what even the largest land-based casinos can offer.

Many experts compare the growth rates of the Greek market with the dynamics of other European countries, noting it as one of the highest growth rates in the region. This surge was driven by liberalization of legislation, global trends, and active advertising.

However, along with positive economic indicators, a new wave of concern has arisen. The huge number of new players, the expanding network of online operators, and easy access to gambling platforms have created a breeding ground for new risks associated with gambling addiction.

The problem of gambling addiction and the complexity of statistics

With the development of the sector, the issue of gambling addiction has come to the forefront. According to a 2014 study, about 2.4% of Greece’s population showed signs of problematic behavior related to gambling. However, even these data require cautious interpretation, because the scale of the problem is difficult to assess accurately.

Statistical updates occur at long intervals, and some cases remain unnoticed due to the hidden nature of the addiction itself. Many experts note that the real numbers may differ significantly from official estimates. For example, according to researchers, “the lack of fresh data makes it difficult to assess the significance of the problem for society.”

In recent years, regulators have increasingly spoken about the need for systematic monitoring and regular research to understand the true scale and dynamics of changes.

Joint actions of regulators and a new stage of the fight

Amid new challenges, two key bodies — the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) and the Health Quality Assurance Organization (ODIPY) — signed a three-year cooperation agreement. For the first time, not only gambling specialists but also public health professionals will work on the problem.

Within this partnership, the organizations have committed to coordinate efforts, share data, and launch joint prevention and support programs. Among the main tasks are the creation of a system for early risk detection, increasing the effectiveness of assistance to those with addiction, as well as the introduction of modern scientific approaches for assessing and correcting the situation.

Special attention is paid to ensuring that initiatives are based on proven methods and the experiences of other countries. In an interview, EEEP head Dimitris Dzanaos noted: “Joint work allows us to overcome bureaucratic barriers and implement truly effective solutions.” ODIPY head Christos Nestoras supported this approach, emphasizing: “The partnership opens new opportunities for analyzing and using scientific data for the public good.”

Scientific approach and the importance of early intervention

A key element of the new strategy is the scientific approach. Regulators believe that early detection of signs of addiction and competent prevention turn out to be much more effective and less costly than long-term treatment of an already established problem.

In global practice, such scientifically based methods have long proven their effectiveness. Regular research, testing of prevention programs, and assessment of psychosocial factors make it possible to minimize the negative consequences of mass enthusiasm for gambling.

In Greece, the emphasis is on creating a unified knowledge base and introducing innovative approaches. For example, according to industry regulators, sharing experience with colleagues from other European countries and using international standards will help increase the effectiveness of the measures taken.

The role of the industry and new market trends

It is also worth noting the reaction of the gambling service operators themselves. In recent years, companies have increasingly invested in their own research projects and educational campaigns aimed at preventing addiction. In the industry, there is a growing understanding of the importance of socially responsible behavior and the need to prevent risks even before serious consequences arise.

A shift in emphasis is noted: whereas previously the main focus was on treating addiction, now more and more resources are being spent on preventing the problem. International trends also point to this: in developed jurisdictions, operators cooperate with government agencies and the scientific community to systematically counteract gambling addiction.

In Greece, such changes are only gaining momentum, but it is already clear that business involvement is becoming an important factor in the success of joint initiatives.

Working with facts and sources of information

Most of the data presented is based on research from previous years and the opinions of industry experts. As the regulators themselves note, outdated statistics and the lack of comprehensive monitoring complicate an accurate assessment of the situation. Nevertheless, the experience of European countries, expert opinions, and the first results of scientific programs make it possible to judge the direction of market development and the prospects for combating gambling addiction.

Given the rapid growth of the industry and changes in consumer behavior, the issue of qualitative analysis and expanding the scientific base remains extremely relevant. It is expected that in the coming years, new research will provide more information about the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of the measures being taken.

Context and explanations of key aspects

For a better understanding of the situation, it is important to take into account the specifics of the terms. iGaming usually refers to all types of online money games, including sports betting, casinos, and poker. Regulators are independent or government organizations that monitor the legality of operators, control licenses, and develop regulatory rules.

The Greek market is unique in its recent liberalization and the speed of adoption of new technologies. The history of gambling regulation in the country spans only a few decades, which makes the current situation especially dynamic and requiring special attention. Real examples from Europe show that a combination of a scientific approach, government control, and industry responsibility can significantly reduce the risks of addiction.

Thus, new joint initiatives, the scientific approach, and industry involvement form the basis for combating the growing problem of gambling in Greece.

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