Greece Files Criminal Complaints Against 18 Influencers Over Illegal Gambling Promotion

Greek authorities target influencer promotion of illegal gambling

Greek authorities have filed criminal complaints involving 18 influencers over alleged promotion of illegal gambling websites and operators through social media.

The cases followed checks by the Hellenic Gaming Commission and have moved into a preliminary investigation stage. Greek media reports say the group includes figures from music, fashion and reality television.

Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis said around 900,000 people participated in illegal gambling in Greece in 2025 and estimated the black-market stake volume at approximately €1.8 billion.

The case highlights a growing regulatory focus on the marketing layer of illegal gambling rather than only the operators themselves.

Why the Greece influencer crackdown matters

Illegal casino promotion often reaches players through channels that look more personal and trustworthy than conventional advertising. Influencers can make an unlicensed gambling site appear legitimate even when the operator has no authorisation to target Greek players.

The enforcement action therefore matters beyond the individuals involved. It signals that regulators are looking at who distributes illegal gambling content, how players are recruited and how social media is used to bypass standard advertising controls.

For licensed operators and affiliates, the case also raises the compliance stakes around promotional partnerships.

What players in Greece should know

Do not assume a casino is legal because it is promoted by a well-known creator, celebrity or streamer. The legal status depends on the operator and its authorisation, not the person promoting it.

Before registering or depositing, verify the operator through the Hellenic Gaming Commission and avoid sites that are blacklisted or cannot show a valid Greek authorisation.

Be particularly cautious with social-media links, shortened URLs, private groups and bonus codes that redirect to unfamiliar gambling domains.

• ERT News — complaints against 18 influencers over illegal gambling promotion
• European Gaming — Greece files complaints against 18 influencers