Greece Moves to Tighten VIP Gambling Controls and Player Verification
Greek gambling authorities are preparing stricter player identification requirements and increased oversight of VIP customers in the country’s regulated online gambling market.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) is working to address weaknesses in the current verification system, which may allow players to register multiple accounts under different names across gambling platforms.
One proposal involves introducing a unified identity verification system, potentially through Greece’s government e-Gov platform.
Currently, licensed operators verify players individually. Regulators consider this approach insufficient and are exploring a centralized system to improve identification and regulatory control.
The EEEP is also increasing its focus on VIP and high-value customers who may wager hundreds of thousands of euros annually.
According to local reports, the regulator has requested information from all 18 licensed operators about how they register, retain, and reward these players, including details about bonuses and hospitality benefits.
Although the Commission describes the data collection as statistical, industry representatives believe it could lead to tighter supervision of VIP gambling activities.
Authorities are also concerned that incentives offered to high-value players could encourage gambling activity to move toward unlicensed offshore platforms.
The proposed changes come as Greece’s online gambling market continues to expand, with annual growth estimated at 15% and gross gaming revenue reaching approximately €1.2 billion.
