The issue of content regulation on social media has gained significant attention in Greece, particularly after criminal charges were brought against 18 teenage influencers accused of endorsing illegal gambling activities.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the Minister of Economy and Finance, announced yesterday that these cases are currently undergoing preliminary investigations. He emphasized that this move is an initial step in Greece's newly established enforcement framework aimed at combating illegal gambling.
During a press conference held on October 6 at the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP), Pierrakakis cautioned that having a large online following does not exempt individuals from legal repercussions. “The internet is not a jungle. Popularity does not confer immunity, and influence entails responsibility,” he stated.
Greek media has reported additional information regarding the influencers involved, who remain unnamed due to the ongoing legal proceedings. Collectively, these 18 influencers have amassed 3.6 million followers on Instagram, with the most followed individual account having 623,000 followers.
The EEEP has identified promotional content linked to 11 unlicensed websites and eight unauthorized service providers, leading to a criminal complaint filed with the Athens public prosecutor.
This announcement firmly places social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, at the forefront of the Greek government's initiative against illegal gambling, spearheaded by Minister Pierrakakis.
Antonios Alexiou, Deputy Director-General of EEEP, pointed out that illegal operators are clearly targeting audiences through social networks, leveraging well-known personalities to enhance their credibility and outreach. This is a pressing concern for Greek authorities as they strive to close existing loopholes.
Addressing illegal gambling is now a key focus of the government’s economic and consumer protection strategy. It is estimated that illegal gambling results in a direct loss of €1 billion in revenue for the Greek government. Minister Pierrakakis is championing legislative efforts to create a comprehensive framework that treats illegal gambling as both a criminal issue and an economic threat.
Since the beginning of the year, reforms have been implemented, and Greece aims to be the first European nation to establish a dedicated legislative structure targeting illegal gambling.
The proposals put forth in June included a significant restructuring of the EEEP, increasing its permanent staff from 80 to 110 positions and enhancing its capabilities in technology, cybersecurity, intelligence, and enforcement.
These reforms also aim to dismantle the broader networks that support illegal gambling, including advertising intermediaries, affiliates, and online promoters.
As reported by SBC News on June 2, proposed penalties for influencers, streamers, and affiliate marketers range from €5,000 to €50,000 for each violation.
The draft legislation also calls for stricter website restrictions, closure of premises, and expanded criminal investigative powers for gaming inspectors.
During yesterday’s briefing, Pierrakakis confirmed that the framework adopted in June now allows for immediate administrative penalties for illegal online promotions, with fines reaching up to €50,000 for each infraction.
He also highlighted the establishment of 110 positions within the EEEP, including 40 specialized scientific roles, along with enhanced investigative authority for the Gaming Inspectors Corps.
The minister contextualized the enforcement initiative within the scale of black market activities. In 2025, it was estimated that €1.8 billion was wagered illegally, with around 900,000 individuals participating in illegal gambling activities, and approximately 15,000 websites blacklisted.
For the government, these statistics reflect both consumer risks and economic losses. Unlicensed operators divert business from regulated entities, depriving the state of revenue and operating without the protections associated with legal gambling.
This situation also highlights the challenges of depending solely on individual website interventions, as Pierrakakis noted that sites can quickly change addresses and evade detection.