Greek Gaming Commission Teams Up With Creative and Health Sectors To Combat Problem Gambling

The Greek (Hellenic) Gaming Commission (EEEP) is intensifying its efforts to combat problem gambling through a new partnership with the country’s creative industry and public health sector.

Strategic Partnerships to Tackle Gambling Risks

On May 22, the EEEP signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Organization for Quality Assurance in Health. The partnership aims to help prevent and treat gambling addiction.

The agreement establishes a framework to raise public awareness, identify risk points, and provide support to individuals at risk. It also includes training of professionals to deliver psychological support and rehabilitation services to those with gambling addiction.

The memorandum has a duration of three years, and a joint Coordinating Committee will oversee its operation.

On May 29, the EEEP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Greek Center for Cinema, Audiovisual Media, and Creation (EKKOMED, also known as Creative Greece).

The goal of the second partnership is to promote and strengthen the Greek digital gaming industry, supporting innovation and the sustainability of the digital ecosystem.

The collaboration emphasizes protecting society and vulnerable social groups from behaviors that could lead to problem gambling. Furthermore, it aims to align game development with national and European regulations, consolidating the Greek industry as a regional hub.

The partners announced that they will prepare an annual operational plan in the coming days. It will include specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities.

Greek Gaming Commission to Establish a Gambling Observatory

The two new partnerships were announced about a month after the Greek regulator unveiled plans to establish a Gambling Observatory, following a feasibility study conducted in collaboration with expert scientists.

The Observatory will utilize technologies such as Big Data Analytics, AI, and Blockchain to monitor gambling trends, support research, and inform public policy.

A core role of the Observatory is to protect vulnerable groups, address gambling addiction, and improve the overall transparency and sustainability of the legal Greek gambling market.

EEEP says that effective management of the collected data will be crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance. It will also promote responsible gambling, conduct market analysis, and prevent fraud.

EPIPSY Study Shows Signs of Concern

EEEP’s actions towards addressing problem gambling come amid recent survey data.

A new study by Greece’s Mental Health Research Institute (EPIPSY) suggested that 36% of first-year high school students in the country had gambled for money in 2024.

The study notes that the number is 13% higher than the average for the 36 European countries examined. Another point of note from the survey is that 7% of Greek teenagers show problem gambling signs.

The study discovered that unhealthy habits are on the rise among the country’s adolescents. Thirteen percent of 16-year-olds say they’ve tried an illegal drug at least once. Meanwhile, 92% say they can access alcohol without problem.

Smoking, particularly e-cigarettes and vapes, is on the rise, with usage climbing from 43% in 2019 to 54% in 2024.

Growing Focus on Youth Gambling Across Europe

The EEEP’s recent initiatives come amid broader European efforts to address increased exposure of adolescents to gambling. 

Earlier this year, the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group launched a project to address rising online gambling and associated risks among young people. It seeks to counter that through policy and increasing awareness. The council warns that online gambling products are addictive, with profound effects on mental health and development.

In Spain, the government is in the process of introducing tighter ID check rules in the country’s regulated online and land-based gambling sectors. The goal is for nobody under 18 to gain access to gambling.