Strict limits and control over responsible gambling

The Greek gambling market is one of the most tightly regulated and socially responsible in Europe. The state and regulator Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) are not betting on restricting player freedom, but on creating a safe environment where excitement is controlled and dependencies are prevented.

The key role is played by strict limits, identity verification and Responsible Gaming programs, which have become mandatory for all licensed operators - both offline and online.

1) Legislative framework

The basis of regulation is Law 4002/2011, supplemented by amendments of 2019 and 2021.

All licensed operators are required to comply with EEEP requirements aimed at protecting players.

The controls apply to casinos, betting shops, lotteries and online platforms.

The main objectives of the policy are:

protection of minors;
prevention of ludomania;
controlling players' finances;
ensuring transparency and ethics of advertising.

2) Mandatory registration and verification

Players must pass a KYC check (Know Your Customer) before making a deposit.

The minimum age is 21 years.

Registration requires proof of identity and address.

All data passes through a centralized EEEP database, which eliminates the possibility of creating multiple accounts.

3) Financial limits and restrictions

Since 2021, mandatory limits on deposits and losses have been introduced, which the player sets independently upon registration.

Limit type	Description	Application
Day	Maximum deposits per 24 hours	All online operators
Week	Deposit amount for 7 days	All platforms
Monthly	Deposit amount for 30 days	Mandatory for all players
Lost limit	Maximum loss per session	Customizable

When the limit is reached, the system automatically blocks new deposits.

Increasing limits requires a waiting period of 24 hours, while a reduction is effective immediately.

In case of suspicion of compulsive play, the operator is obliged to temporarily restrict access.

4) Time constraints

Players are encouraged to set limits on their time in the game.

After a certain time (for example, 2 hours), the system displays a pop-up notification with information about the duration of the session and expenses.

After 4-5 hours of active play, operators are required to offer a cooling-off period of 15 minutes to 24 hours.

5) Self-exclusion programs

The player can temporarily or permanently exclude himself from participating in all licensed games.

There is a single self-exclusion database integrated with the EEEP system.

Self-exclusion applies to all licensed sites and casinos - even when changing operators.

Operators are required to maintain 24-hour access to this feature and inform players about it in promotional materials.

6) Advertising restrictions and bonuses

Gambling advertising is only allowed if there is a 21 + age tag and a risk warning.

It is forbidden to use phrases like "guaranteed win" or "lossless."

Bonuses and promotions should be clearly spelled out and not stimulate excessive play.

Operators are required to publish contacts of organizations providing assistance to dependent players.

7) Monitoring and control technologies

EEEP has implemented an innovative AI-based player behavior analysis system.

It allows:

identify abnormal patterns of rates and behavior (e.g., rapid re-deposits);
Automatically notify Responsible Gaming
develop individual risk profiles.
Thus, Greece was one of the first to implement real-time AI analysis of compulsive behavior.

8) Cooperation with support organizations

The regulator actively cooperates with independent organizations, including:

KETHEA ALFA - National Rehabilitation Center;
Responsible Gaming Foundation - educational and preventive programs;
Gambling Therapy (GR) is an international psychological aid.
Operators are required to inform players about the possibilities of obtaining support through the website and platform interface.

9) Penalties and liability of operators

EEEP regularly conducts inspections, and serious sanctions are provided for violations:

fines up to €500,000 for ignoring limits or non-working RG functions;
temporary suspension or revocation of the license;
mandatory audits after each incident.
Thanks to these measures, the Greek market is characterized by a high level of discipline and trust.

10) Effect and perception

According to EEEP reports, after the introduction of limits, the number of cases of addiction decreased by 25% in the period 2021-2024.

The level of trust in licensed operators has grown: 80% of players consider the Greek market safe.

Players are positive about the notification system and the transparency of betting statistics.

11) Prospects to 2030

Implementation of the national Responsible Gaming App, which combines limits, self-control and support.

Extension of AI models of dependency prediction.

Create consistent player behavioral profiles across all licensed platforms.

Strengthening cooperation with universities and NGOs for the prevention of ludomania.

Greece has become one of the exemplary examples of responsible gambling regulation in Europe.

The system of hard limits, verification and AI-monitoring made it possible to create a safe, transparent and stable gaming environment, where the player remains under the protection of the state and controls his own behavior.

The Greek Responsible Gaming model is a balance between freedom and responsibility, proving that the gaming industry can be ethical, civilized and socially useful.