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Greece imposes harsh penalties to crush illegal gambling networks

A bold new bill aims to end Greece's underground betting epidemic. With prison terms, massive fines, and 1,200+ closures, the government means business.

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The image shows an open book with a map of Greece on it, placed on a black surface. The book...
The image shows an open book with a map of Greece on it, placed on a black surface. The book contains text and a detailed map, providing a comprehensive overview of the country.

Greece imposes harsh penalties to crush illegal gambling networks

Greece is cracking down on illegal gambling with a tough new bill. The Ministry of National Economy and Finance has drafted strict measures targeting unlicensed operators, players, and premises. The move follows years of police raids shutting down over 1,200 internet cafes suspected of hosting illegal betting.

Between 2023 and 2025, Greek authorities closed 1,257 internet cafes linked to illegal gambling. Police raids in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other cities led to 456 closures in 2023, 512 in 2024, and 289 by the end of 2025. The black market for gambling is estimated to generate more than 1.5 billion euros annually.

The new bill introduces severe penalties. Operators running games without a license face at least three years in prison and heavy fines. Repeat offenders or those obstructing inspections could receive up to 10 years behind bars. Fines for gambling-related crimes will range from 50,000 to 100,000 euros. Players caught using unlicensed services may also be punished. First-time offenders risk up to two years in prison or a fine, while repeat offenders face stricter penalties. The legislation also gives local authorities the power to shut down premises and revoke licenses for any venue involved in illegal gambling. Internet cafes will come under tighter scrutiny. The bill proposes stricter licensing rules to prevent them from becoming fronts for betting operations. The ministry aims to dismantle the underground gambling network through a mix of inspections, closures, and criminal charges.

The proposed law marks a major push to regulate Greece's gambling sector. With harsher sentences, financial penalties, and expanded powers for authorities, the government hopes to curb illegal operations. Over 1,200 closures in recent years show the scale of the crackdown—and the new measures promise even stricter enforcement.

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