The new bill introduced by the Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, outlines strict measures to tackle illegal gambling, including fines of up to €800,000 and automatic website 'locking'. The legislation aims to create a robust framework of institutional, administrative, and operational measures that not only addresses unauthorized gambling operations but also prioritizes citizen protection, particularly for younger individuals.

Moreover, the bill represents a comprehensive overhaul of the existing approach toward the prevention, detection, and suppression of illegal gambling practices within both physical and online environments. A significant aspect of the legislation is the enhancement of the powers of the Gaming Supervision and Control Committee, which will now be better equipped to remove illegal online content swiftly and identify involved accounts and websites promptly. The bill also allocates resources for specialized scientific personnel to fortify the authority and modernizes its operational structure.

This legislative intervention reflects the Greek government's commitment to regulating the gambling industry more effectively, following international best practices. As illegal gambling becomes an increasingly pressing issue, the proposed framework seeks to reinforce the state's role in overseeing the sector while ensuring better protection for the populace against potential harms associated with gambling addiction and illegal activities related to it.