SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) and the Health Quality Assurance Organisation (OHQA) have joined forces to combat gambling addiction in Greece.
Greek authorities have agreed to a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to establish a new joint approach to preventing gambling addiction, while enhancing social support for those affected.
The cooperation will begin with the HGC and OHQA forming a ‘Coordination Committee’ to act as the supervisory body for the implementation of a new national strategy on gambling addiction.
OHQA Chief Executive, Christos Nestoras, stated: “The Memorandum of Understanding aims to deepen cooperation with the Hellenic Gaming Commission. The formation of a modern and functional framework based on scientific documentation, respect for citizens and practical support for those in need is a common goal of our bodies.”
Of concern, Greece is witnessing a growing problem of teenage gambling. A recent study by the Mental Health Research Institute (EPIPSY) found that 36% of first-year high school students in Greece gambled for money in 2024 — well above the European Union average of 23%.
Furthermore, 7% of Greek teenagers are already showing early warning signs of developing a gambling addiction.
The Memorandum outlines four key objectives: increasing public awareness around responsible gaming, implementing early risk detection methods, expanding access to counselling services, and developing treatment programmes and extended support systems for affected individuals and their families.
Dimitris Ntzanatos, President of the HGC, hailed the agreement as a pivotal change in Greece’s approach to gambling harm.
“It is with great satisfaction that we inaugurate our new collaboration with ODIPY and we are delighted that we will be given the opportunity to achieve, through our coordination, the utilisation of know-how and the avoidance of bureaucratic obstacles, effective solutions to a problem with significant social and economic impacts,” he said.
The intervention arrives at a critical time for the country, with authorities working to combat teenage addiction. According to self-reported data, Greek teenagers have easy access to alcohol and cannabis, with 92% stating they can obtain alcohol without difficulty. The EPIPSY study also found a sharp rise in vaping among 16-year-olds, increasing from 43% in 2019 to 54% in 2024.
The research points to broader behavioural risks among Greek youth, including rising exposure to alcohol and drugs, and a growing preference for e-cigarettes and gambling. Experts warn that aggressive marketing and ease of access are key drivers behind these escalating trends.
These developments highlight the urgent need for coordinated public health and regulatory measures to mitigate the long-term consequences of youth addiction behaviours in Greece.
