The Greek gambling industry has come under scrutiny following a major investigation into suspected money laundering involving government officials and civil servants.
According to the Hellenic AML Authority, investigators have uncovered a network of around 200 people allegedly moving illicit funds through gambling products.
Authorities say the scheme relied on licensed gambling platforms, where participants would open accounts and receive a profile-linked code. Large sums of cash were then deposited at affiliated retailers, such as gas stations or convenience stores, sidestepping traditional bank transfers.
Investigators allege that shop clerks rarely questioned the source of funds, allowing individuals to funnel millions through gambling accounts. From there, the money was reportedly transferred back into personal bank accounts. Some single deposits reached as high as €1m, with no clear explanation of their origin.
Local media reports indicate that at least 10 gambling operators are under investigation over their potential involvement in these suspicious transactions.
This development comes at a sensitive time, as Greece prepares for a new national lottery tender. OPAP’s existing licence expires on May 1, 2026, and the company has been shortlisted for renewal, facing competition from Brightstar, IGT’s rebranded lottery division.
Meanwhile, the government has announced fresh measures to combat illegal gambling, both online and offline. The Ministry of National Economy and Finance has been tasked with drafting a stricter legal framework to detect and prosecute unlicensed operators. Planned measures include the immediate shutdown of illegal venues such as internet cafés and private clubs, revocation of licences for complicit businesses, and criminal penalties—including imprisonment—for anyone found obstructing inspections or aiding illicit gambling.
