National Betting Authority emphasizes protection of minors during World Cup events

The President of the National Betting Authority, Panagiotis Trisokkas, has addressed the risks posed to minors by increased gambling advertisements during major events like the World Cup. Current legislation explicitly prohibits participation in gambling activities for individuals under 18 years of age. In physical betting shops, entry is restricted to those 18 and older, with staff required to verify the age of anyone appearing to be under 25. The Authority identifies online gambling as a more complex challenge due to the high exposure of young people to digital content on social media platforms. The body maintains that player protection remains a foundational pillar of its regulatory strategy. Despite established legal frameworks, the proliferation of betting content online complicates enforcement efforts. The Authority continues to advocate for stronger safeguards to protect youth and vulnerable populations from gambling-related harm. The statement underscores the persistent gap between the effectiveness of physical site regulations and the difficulties inherent in the digital environment.