The HGC, as an independent authority responsible for the regulation, supervision, and control of the gambling market, is shaping its strategic plan for the period 2026–2030 with the aim of safeguarding the market against rapid technological and social developments, strengthening transparency and social responsibility, and ensuring a healthy, sustainable, and innovative ecosystem.
The strategic plan focuses on the effective protection of players and vulnerable groups, with particular emphasis on minors, through targeted awareness, supervisory, and educational initiatives, early detection of problematic gambling behavior, the adoption of player activity limits, self-exclusion tools, a unified register of excluded players, and enhanced cooperation with support structures.
At the same time, emphasis is placed on strengthening supervisory and audit activities across all operational areas of the organization and conduct of games, particularly in combating illegal gambling, through the use of modern technological tools, stricter sanctions, and enhanced cooperation with domestic and international bodies.
Attracting investment and promoting innovation constitute key pillars, aiming to create a competitive and transparent environment, accelerate licensing procedures, adopt new technologies in the gaming sector (AI, data analytics, VR/AR, blockchain), and enhance the training and certification of human resources active in the sector.
The digital transformation of the HGC, the continuous upgrade of its infrastructure, and the enhancement of interoperability with other bodies strengthen the effectiveness of supervision and transparency.
The continuous development of the Authority’s outward orientation, communication, and international partnerships, as well as participation in international forums and the exchange of expertise, reinforce the HGC’s role as an institutional guarantor and promote the adoption of best practices.
The HGC’s strategy is based on values such as respect, integrity, reliability, social responsibility, professionalism, and cooperation, with the ongoing goal of shaping a gaming market that operates under conditions of legality, transparency, and a high level of social protection.
The Authority’s responsibilities include the regulation, supervision, and control of the gaming market, monitoring the collection of public revenues, and ensuring the protection of players and society from the harmful effects and risks associated with gaming, particularly minors and vulnerable population groups.
Games are classified into two main categories: electronic technical-entertainment games, which are played for amusement without monetary gain, and gambling games conducted either land-based or online.
The regulatory authority of the HGC, in accordance with the applicable legislation, is exercised both through the submission of recommendations to the Minister of Finance regarding the regulation of issues under the Gaming Regulation, and through the issuance of regulatory decisions for which the legislator has reserved authority to the HGC itself, such as in the case of combating money laundering and terrorist financing by obligated entities in the gambling market, or the issuance of the Regulation for Affiliates of License Holders offering online gambling services.
Furthermore, under the applicable provisions, the HGC is authorized to issue Guidelines specifying the implementation of the provisions of the Gaming Regulation and the relevant procedures.
Supervision and control concern the legality of gaming operations, compliance with rules ensuring fair and transparent conduct, the payment of winnings to players, the collection of public revenues, compliance with the terms of contracts with the Greek State, adherence to licensing conditions for organizing, conducting, and operating games, compliance with regulatory provisions governing commercial communication of gambling, as well as compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing provisions by obligated entities in the gambling market.
In addition, the Authority is responsible for establishing and implementing frameworks and measures for the protection of minors and vulnerable population groups, as well as for the application of responsible gaming principles. The HGC conducts inspections and imposes the administrative sanctions provided by law in case of violations of applicable provisions.
With regard to gambling, the Authority exercises the above responsibilities over games conducted by OPAP S.A., Hellenic Lotteries S.A., Horse Races S.A., casino enterprises, and License Holders offering online gambling services. Additionally, the HGC is responsible for gambling conducted via broadcasting and telecommunications media.
Finally, the HGC licenses and maintains a registry for the operation, supervision, and control of electronic technical-entertainment games.