HGA or The Hellenic Gaming Association intensified its efforts against the phenomenon of illegal online gambling. This has reached extensive proportions in the previous years with incalculable economic and social impacts.
The organization, led by President Christos Panagopoulos, recently filed a lawsuit against an internationally active company. The company conducted illegal gambling in Greece without the necessary licensing from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC). Now, the organization is following up with a new lawsuit. This targets two-well known Greek influencers. These influencers promote unlicensed gambling websites using their social media content.
Internet personalities have posted a series of videos encouraging their mostly young audience, including minors, to visit illegal gambling sites. They shared how they won tens of thousands of euros through betting and playing on these platforms. Nonetheless, they conceal the fact that these are illegal gambling companies while tempting viewers with the promise of easy money.
It is crucial to highlight that their audience includes minors. These minors find an open door in the unlicensed environment where there are no controls or restrictions. Unlike legal online companies, where one must be at least 21 years old to open an account and play, these illegal sites have no such age requirements.
Aside from the two Greek influencers, the association is planning to file reports to social media platforms and online services hosting ads and promoting unlicensed providers. First, they will approach the relevant departments of these organizations. They may even take the matter to prosecutorial authorities. The initiatives undertaken by the HGA to fight illegal gambling often aim to fill the void left by the State. This is fundamentally responsible for addressing this open wound with appropriate actions, instead of a private entity.
A previous official survey, conducted by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) in collaboration with KAPPA Research, confirmed the huge amount of illegal gambling in Greece. This sheds light on the hidden side of this illegal activity. According to the survey, 900,000 Greeks, or nearly 1 in 10, participated in illegal gambling at least once in the past 12 months. This estimates to astronomical expenditure of 1.7 billion euros in the unlicensed environment.
