With the votes of the New Democracy, the House of Committee of Institutions and Transparency has made a positive opinion on the appointment of Antonis Bartholomew as Chairman of the Games Supervisory and Control Committee (EEPP). ‘The work that Mr Bartholomew is called upon to undertake is crucial To ensure the proper functioning of the gambling market, protect citizens and reinforcement of national economy“, The Minister of National Economy and Finance said Kyriakos Pierrakakis and noted that EEEP should give particular weight to the gambling addiction and at treatment of illegal gambling.

“We will intervene legally to deal with the issue in a comprehensive way. Our goal is to make a holistic frame that will hit the problem of illegal gambling at its root, whether we are talking about unlawful sites or illegal gaming places. The new framework we also want to take into account, the reality that modern technology clearly creates. “IP the Minister of National Economy and Finance and briefed the members of the Committee on Institutions and Transparency that measures are being studied that include direct and long -term sealing and removal by the Municipalities in stores where illegal gambling is held.

Mr. Pierrakakis announced “tightening»Of the frame granting permission to a coffee internet and strict penalties for offendersprison sentences for those who hinder the check.

Research conducted by EEEP in 2024 showed that almost 800,000 citizens they are alleged to They played in non -licensed sitesto illegal clubsto illegal casino. “The amounts, which have been in total these entities, are estimated at about 1.67 billion euros -which means loss of revenue for the state, so the EUPC, the EUPEP. He has already made a black list of illegal providers, which counts nearly 11,000 websites. It assists the law enforcement authorities to businesses to identify and repair illegal ground shops. He transmits complaints about illegal games. It works with the judicial authorities, the rinsing authority, etc.

But, in any case, we realize that we need an even more modern institutional framework and look forward to your help. And we consider it to be catalytic for both the “health” of state institutions and for public revenue. “ said Mr. Pierrakakis.

“THE Gambling addiction It is a social reality with serious negative side effects‘, Mr Bartholomew said and noted that the EUPC, as an independent administrative authority, has an institutional obligation to ensure that the activity of gambling is practiced with social responsibility and transparency and with full respect for the existing regulatory framework and public interest. In addition, the Commission must oversee the way in which gambling are integrated into the daily lives of Greeks, with as few negative consequences as possible.

Mr Bartholomew emphasized that it is a significant priority to boost the regulatory compliance of providers. “It is not enough for providers to operate legally, they must also be responsible. Especially in the online environment, which is now dominant, preventing minors’ access, protecting socially vulnerable strata, avoiding unfair commercial attraction practices are arrangements that need technical tools, control mechanisms and continuous inspections to guarantee transparency in this area.said the president of the EEEP.

Referring to gamblingthe president of the EEEP stressed that he should Cooperation with the State bodiesas well as the other independent authorities, but also abroad, where there are corresponding principles of control of the games, there is more activation to drastically restrict illegal gambling, so as to enhance coordinated action against illegality. Mr Bartholomew also referred to a “K Research” survey that became an account of the EUP. , and showed that nearly 1 million players continue to are involved in illegal gameswithout any supervision, no control and no arrangement.