Greece opens investigation into 18 influencers accused of promoting illegal gambling sites

Greece has launched an investigation into 18 social media influencers accused of promoting illegal gambling, in what officials describe as a push to target the promoters who steer audiences toward unregulated operators. Some of those named are described as teenage influencers.

Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis confirmed the inquiry and said it forms part of the country's new rules against illegal gambling. He warned that influencers who break the rules would not be protected by their popularity. Offshore operators have relied on influencer marketing for some time to reach internet-savvy consumers, and the Greek action is presented as a response to that strategy.

According to the information released, the 18 influencers have a combined following of 3.6 million people on Instagram, and the largest single account has 623,000 followers. The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) reported that the content promoted 11 unlicensed websites and eight unlicensed providers. The promotion was not limited to Instagram, with YouTube and TikTok also used as channels.

HGC deputy director-general Antonios Alexiou said the practice of operators targeting audiences online, and in particular through social networks, is well established. Greece intends to treat illegal gambling as more than a nuisance, since it erodes the results of the regulated sector.

The government frames the black market as both a serious economic threat and a criminal matter that must be confronted. The HGC now has 110 permanent staff, up from 80, and says it is committed to dealing with the challenges posed by illegal gambling, advertising intermediaries, affiliates and online promoters.

The influencers named in this enforcement action face financial penalties ranging from €5,000 to €50,000. The authorities estimate that in 2025 alone, around 900,000 people wagered about €1.8 billion with illegal gambling operators in Greece.