Greece is set to tighten its crackdown on illegal gambling through a new omnibus bill that introduces stricter controls, tougher penalties, and changes to the taxation of online gaming winnings.

A key measure in the proposed legislation is the blocking of bank transactions linked to unlicensed gambling operators. Banks will be required to prevent payments for bets as well as the transfer of winnings associated with illegal betting platforms, aiming to disrupt the financial flows that sustain the underground market.

The bill also imposes heavy penalties on those who promote illegal gambling services. Fines of up to 50,000 euros may be imposed on individuals or businesses that advertise or endorse unauthorized operators through websites, mobile apps, social media, influencer content, promotional links, discount codes, or similar marketing channels.

To strengthen oversight, the legislation enhances player identification and verification procedures, ensuring that gambling activity takes place only through licensed providers. It also targets venues used for illegal gambling, including internet cafés and gaming clubs. Operators could face substantial fines, while premises may be shut down for up to one year.

The reforms extend to the taxation of online gaming winnings, including those from online poker and live casino games. Winnings will be taxed separately for each gaming session, with the first 100 euros exempt. Profits of up to 500 euros will be taxed at 20%, while amounts above 500 euros will be subject to a 30% rate.

Additional penalties are introduced for individuals who provide gambling cards to people not legally entitled to participate in gambling activities. Such offenses may result in prison sentences of up to two years and fines of 5,000 euros.

The government’s move follows growing concerns over the scale of illegal gambling in Greece. Authorities believe that about 11,000 illegal gambling websites are currently operating, resulting in substantial losses in tax revenue for the state.