Greece could become first EU country to automatically block minors from gambling

Greece could become first EU country to automatically block minors from gambling

Summary

Greece is preparing to introduce automatic, device-level restrictions that would block minors from accessing online gambling and tobacco retail sites and restrict social media access for younger teens. The measure would use the government-run Kids Wallet mobile app to verify ages and filter content directly on devices. Reports suggest the rules could be implemented imminently, with technical talks held with major tech firms and a European Commission delegation expected to advise Athens on compliance with EU recommendations such as the Digital Services Act.

Key Points

• Children under 18 would be automatically blocked from online gambling and tobacco retail websites.
• Access to social media platforms would be restricted for minors under 15.
• The Kids Wallet app creates a digital identity for minors by verifying age using official documents and links to national government services.
• Blocking operates at the device level (without requiring platform log-in), unlike systems that verify identities at account creation.
• The move aligns with EU efforts to protect minors online under the DSA and follows wider international trends (eg Australia’s upcoming age rules).

Content summary

The proposed measures aim to curb exposure to potentially addictive online content — notably social media and gambling products — by using a state-backed app, Kids Wallet, to enforce age checks and content filters on devices. Parents set up parent-child accounts via tax-identification credentials, confirm children’s ages with official documents and set usage permissions and limits. From age 15 parental consent is no longer required. Greek authorities have consulted with tech companies and will receive EU technical guidance; the final go-ahead rests with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Context and relevance

This is a notable regulatory step: if implemented, Greece would be the first EU country to deploy automatic, device-level blocking for minors across gambling, tobacco and social media. It sits within a broader push in Europe to create stronger digital protections for children — including talk of a “digital majority age” — and reflects growing concern about algorithmic design that can mimic gambling-style reward loops. For regulators, parents and the iGaming industry, this signals a shift towards technical enforcement tools rather than platform-only safeguards.

Why should I read this?

Quick and simple: if you work in iGaming, tech, regulation or you’re a parent, this could change how youngsters access services — fast. Greece’s plan shows regulators are moving from rules on paper to technical fixes on devices. It’s a potential blueprint for other EU states, so worth knowing now rather than playing catch-up later.

Source

Source: https://next.io/news/regulation/greece-automatically-block-minors-gambling/