Greek regulators step up the fight against gambling addiction and promise change
In recent years, Greece has seen a noticeable increase in gambling, which is causing heightened concern about the development of gambling addiction among the population. Experts warn: without early measures, the scale of the problem could be much more serious than it currently appears.
Public and government attention has been drawn to the recent pooling of efforts by two key bodies—the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) and the Health Quality Assurance Organization (ODIPY). Will this alliance be able to change the situation for the better and prevent the growth in the number of people with gambling addiction? Both regulators and market participants are trying to answer these questions.
Why the problem has become more acute right now
Over the past 10 years, the Greek betting and online gaming (iGaming) market has become one of the most dynamically developing in Europe. According to the European Gaming and Betting Association, betting volumes and the total number of users are increasing by 15–20% annually. The expansion of the number of licensed operators and new laws adopted after the liberalization of the market in 2011 enabled access for thousands of residents to a variety of online platforms.
Such development has brought economic benefits, but society is increasingly facing negative consequences. More and more families seek help from specialists, while doctors and teachers report warning signs: an increase in cases of depression, declining academic performance, and disruptions in group work. For example, according to the Greek Ministry of Health, in 2023 the helpline for gambling addiction received three times as many calls as five years ago. This highlights the urgency of the problem for the state and society.
Who is fighting addiction
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) is a government body overseeing licensing, control, and regulation of all gambling in the country. In addition to supervising operators, the commission is required to ensure compliance with player protection standards and ethical norms, as well as to develop preventive programs.
The Health Quality Assurance Organization (ODIPY) is a national body responsible for the quality of services in the healthcare system. ODIPY develops preventive strategies, implements care standards, and evaluates the effectiveness of medical programs. To combat gambling addiction, ODIPY cooperates with specialized clinics, psychotherapists, and educational institutions.
The uniqueness of the current situation lies in the fact that two independent agencies are acting together for the first time, pooling expertise and resources to implement a national plan to combat gambling addiction. This form of cooperation has not been practiced before, as emphasized by the heads of both organizations.
The new agreement and strategic objectives for three years
At the beginning of 2024, EEEP and ODIPY signed a three-year agreement providing for the development and implementation of joint measures for early detection and prevention of addiction. The main areas of work include:
- creation of a unified system for monitoring requests for help
- launch of information campaigns about the risks of gambling
- implementation of standard protocols for psychological support for players and their families
EEEP President Dimitris Zannatos stated that the new partnership “makes it possible to overcome bureaucratic barriers and implement truly effective solutions.” ODIPY General Director Christos Nestoras also confirmed: “For the first time, we rely on scientific data and coordinate efforts for early intervention.” These quotes emphasize the focus on tangible results rather than formal reporting.
Transition to a scientific and preventive approach
The new strategy is based on an evidence-based approach—using methods whose effectiveness has been proven by research. Unlike traditional treatment of already established addiction, the emphasis is on preventing initial involvement. This model provides for regular educational events, specialized training for young people, and informing parents about the signs of addiction.
Many experts, including specialists from the University of Athens, claim that preventive measures save healthcare system resources and reduce the overall burden on society. Such measures include educating schoolchildren, creating helplines, and constant monitoring of changes in the market structure. The “prevention is better than cure” approach is also supported by representatives of the World Health Organization.
Gaps in data and controversial issues
However, an accurate assessment of the scale of the problem is still debated. The last comprehensive study was conducted in 2014, according to which about 2.4% of the population experience signs of gambling addiction. Experts note that these figures are outdated, and modern methods of data collection need updating.
The rapid development of technology and the emergence of new forms of games make it difficult to track the real number of those affected. Regulators admit: not all cases are recorded in the system, and some players seek help too late. This complicates the planning of effective measures and draws criticism from some public movements.
How the gambling industry and operators are responding
Meanwhile, the largest representatives of the gambling sector are taking a more active part in initiatives to prevent addiction. Many companies fund scientific research, implement self-control tools (for example, limits on bets and playing time), and support staff training to work with clients in at-risk groups.
Operators are also investing in the development of mobile applications that allow players to track expenses and independently limit participation in gambling.
In addition, part of the income is directed to support for charitable programs and counseling centers. These steps by the industry are often positively assessed by experts, although some skeptics point to the need for stricter control and transparency.
Operators of not only land-based but also online casinos contribute to the prevention of gambling addiction. The online casino market in Greece is actively developing thanks to the liberalization of legislation in recent years. Licenses are issued only to companies with financial stability, without a criminal record, and with guarantees. Consideration is also given to what measures the operator takes to prevent risky gambling.
The aspect of monitoring player behavior is important for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is that Greek players often choose different casinos for themselves. Most of those who play regularly, when choosing an online casino, rely on various ratings. Our authors visit the page and studied examples of such expert ratings, which contain information about popular online casinos. And almost everywhere in such ratings, the idea of safe gaming is discussed.
If one casino in the search uses tools to prevent risky gambling, and others do not, this renders the effort meaningless. Therefore, regulators in Greece focus on safety.
How addiction manifests itself and how it is prevented
Gambling addiction is a psychological disorder in which a person loses control over their gambling. In Greece, there are known cases where teenagers spent several hours a day betting, skipped school and argued with relatives over debts. In a number of cases, it was early intervention by social services and school psychologists that helped stabilize the situation.
For example, in one Athens school, a prevention project was successfully implemented: students were told about the signs of addiction, and parents received leaflets with advice on monitoring adolescent behavior. According to ODIPY, after such programs, the number of requests for help decreased by 20% among participants. The question arises: will such initiatives be able to become widespread and cover all at-risk groups?
