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Greece has approved a new DNS-based enforcement framework to strengthen its crackdown on illegal online gambling, introducing faster website blocking and domain suspensions.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) announced a cooperation agreement with the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) to improve the identification and blocking of unlicensed gambling websites.
The initiative is part of the government’s proposed New Gambling Framework bill, drafted by Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis, which aims to strengthen enforcement against Greece’s growing online gambling black market.
Under the new framework, the EEEP will move beyond maintaining a public blacklist of illegal gambling websites by integrating blocked domains into a dedicated Response Policy Zone (RPZ) within its DNS infrastructure.
Officials said the new approach will enable faster and more coordinated blocking of illegal gambling websites across Greece, allowing regulators to respond more quickly as unlicensed operators shift between domains, applications, and digital services.
The legislation also assigns the EETT a formal role in setting the technical and operational standards governing how telecommunications infrastructure will connect with the EEEP’s DNS server. These specifications will be developed by the gaming regulator in consultation with the telecommunications authority.
The proposed framework establishes a formal intelligence-sharing mechanism between the two regulators.
Under the system, the EETT will provide the EEEP with weekly reports covering newly registered “.gr” domains and other country-code domains operating in Greece. The gaming regulator will compare the registrations against its blacklist to identify domains suspected of facilitating illegal gambling.
If a domain is found to be linked to unauthorised gambling activity, the EEEP will order its suspension. The EETT will oversee the temporary deactivation of the domain and prevent its re-registration for two months before considering permanent removal from the “.gr” or “.ελ” registries where appropriate.
Authorities said the process shifts enforcement from a reactive approach to a more proactive monitoring system.
The DNS-based enforcement measures form part of a broader overhaul of Greece’s gambling regulatory framework, expanding the EEEP’s supervisory authority and strengthening its digital enforcement capabilities.
The bill also introduces new technical standards for domain management, risk classification, and operational procedures to improve the detection and disruption of illegal gambling websites.
In addition, the legislation significantly increases penalties for illegal gambling offences. Individuals and businesses found facilitating unlawful gambling operations could face administrative fines worth millions of euros, while the most serious criminal offences may carry prison sentences of up to 10 years.
Officials describe the legislation as the first comprehensive legal framework introduced by a European Union member state specifically targeting the online gambling black market through technology-driven enforcement.
The Greek government has also informed the European Commission that the reforms are intended to strengthen consumer protection, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and reduce the economic impact of illegal gambling.