Greece Warns Influencers of Liability Under New Illegal Gambling Legislation
Greece is investigating 18 influencers with 3.6 million followers for illegal gambling promotions. Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis cited Bill 5313/2026, which sets fines from €1,000-€2m for third parties and €5,000-€50,000 for personas. The law targets a €1.8bn black market while stressing prevention for youth.
SCCG Take — Enforcement treats digital promotion as equivalent to any other channel, removing perceived safe havens. Compliant operators stand to gain from reduced black-market volume if authorities sustain both penalties and prevention.
Greece Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has warned social media influencers that the government will not tolerate a digital environment promoting illegal gambling. Eighteen popular online personas, including rappers and models with a combined 3.6 million followers, are under investigation for unlicensed promotions. As reported by SBC News, Pierrakakis stated that popularity grants no immunity and that influence carries responsibility.
Pierrakakis added: “The message in every direction must be one: the internet is not a jungle.” He stressed that anyone using their reach to promote illegal gambling will be identified, scrutinised and face legal consequences.
Bill 5313/2026 Expands Penalties and Oversight
Greece this year became the first European nation to designate illegal gambling as both a criminal and economic threat. In June, the government officially enacted Bill 5313/2026, which expanded the oversight duties of the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) and introduced stricter penalties already in active use.
Internet service providers, advertisers and other third parties face fines ranging from €1,000 to €2m per violation. Online personas found to have facilitated or promoted illegal gambling face penalties between €5,000 and €50,000. Pierrakakis made clear there is no grey zone for online activity, even if websites are based outside Greece or promotion occurs via social media.
Limits of Enforcement and the Need for Prevention
Government figures show the 2025 black market reached €1.8bn in wagers placed by approximately 900,000 Greek players, with 15,000 websites blocked. Greece also ranks among EU countries with the highest prevalence of gambling among teenagers.
Pierrakakis noted that repression alone is not enough because the core problem remains social. Prevention, awareness and cooperation are required to tackle addiction and protect minors who encounter gambling earlier in digital life. Authorities will enforce the new framework while supporting broader efforts to deliver real change.
Reporting: SBC News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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