Greek regulator targets VIP players and multiple-account checks in verification reform drive

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) is looking at changes to player verification in Greece’s online betting and gaming market, with a particular eye on people opening multiple accounts under different identities. It is also asking all 18 licensed operators how they register, retain and incentivise VIP and high-value customers, which is the sort of request that usually gets PSPs and acquirers paying attention.

1. The proposed reform would create a unified player verification framework instead of leaving online operators to verify customers individually. Regulators reportedly think the current fragmented model is not strong enough for the Greek market, especially where one person can end up with several accounts across different gambling platforms.
2. The preferred setup is understood to be a single point of verification for all players, potentially using the Greek government’s e-Gov platform. That platform already supports licensing applications for affiliates and other gambling industry participants, but it has not yet been expanded into a universal identity-verification system for consumers.
3. This would replace an earlier idea that would have used Greece’s banking sector as a central certification hub. That proposal was dropped after the General Secretariat for Information Systems said there was no legal basis for it.
4. Alongside the verification review, the EEEP is increasing scrutiny of VIP and high-value customers. At a recent meeting hosted by the regulator, the agenda reportedly included retention strategies, bonus programmes and hospitality arrangements for premium players.
5. The Commission has reportedly asked all 18 licensed operators for information on how they acquire, manage and reward these customers. It says the exercise is for statistical purposes, but in practice it gives the regulator a cleaner view of a segment that has historically received less intensive scrutiny.

For operators and their payment partners, the message is straightforward: Greece is moving toward tighter identity checks and more attention on high-value customer treatment. If the verification framework changes, onboarding flows, account monitoring and VIP handling will all need to fit inside it.