Greece to hire 40 staff for gambling oversight unit

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) is launching a recruitment process for its newly created Inspection and Enforcement unit. Funding has been allocated to the authority for this purpose. The unit has 40 positions, and this team will carry out the fight against illegal gambling.

Those eligible to apply include permanent public employees, staff of public bodies with suitable qualifications, and employees of private sector IT companies.

The recruitment follows the strengthened framework adopted in June. The reform was led by Kyriakos Pierrakakis, the Minister for National Economy and Finance. According to figures Pierrakakis announced on 6 October, the illegal market reached a volume of about 1.8 billion euros (1.5 billion pounds) in 2025 and involved about 900,000 people. An earlier estimate based on a 2024 study put the illegal volume at 1.67 billion euros, with annual state revenue losses of about 500 million euros.

The law provides for at least 10 years in prison and fines between 50,000 and 700,000 euros for those who run unlicensed games of chance. In aggravating circumstances, such as operating on a commercial scale, involving minors, and reopening a premises after it has been shut down, the fine rises to between 100,000 and 800,000 euros.

The inspection unit will use special investigative powers. Pierrakakis said digital tools and artificial intelligence are being used to map networks. Complaints have been filed against 18 influencers who allegedly promoted illegal gambling on social media, and the files are at the preliminary investigation stage.