Greece to Enforce Automatic Online Gambling Restrictions for Under-18s

Greece is set to implement the first automated age-restrictive system in Europe next month through the state-developed Kids Wallet app. The tool will restrict minors under 15 years from social media and block those under 18 years from online gambling and tobacco platforms.

Kids Wallet has been operational and optional since May. From October 15, 2025, it will enforce mandatory age checks by linking tax IDs and uploaded verification documents. Authorities have confirmed that they will collaborate with major tech firms, such as Google, to ensure seamless enforcement. Meanwhile, an EU delegation is expected to arrive this week to align the platform with child protection standards.

Mitigating Addiction Risks

Greece’s crackdown aims to address growing concerns about addiction. It targets platforms using behavioral design similar to gambling systems, such as TikTok’s reward algorithms that lead to compulsive scrolling. The measures align with EU Digital Services Act obligations and von der Leyen’s call for a unified “digital majority age”, highlighting the “manipulative design” of apps that monetize on youth engagement.

The technical issue of the app’s 18-year limit to access gambling apps, which clashes with Greece’s 21-year betting age limit, complicates compliance. EU officials are assessing the framework ahead of its planned rollout in October to ensure it aligns with the required standards.

Aligning with Global Trends

The underage restrictions in Greece happen alongside international efforts to limit minors’ access to digital platforms. Australia will implement identity checks for individuals under 16 on social media and dating platforms starting October 10. However, its account-run system allows limited content viewing without a login, a feature that Greece blocks. In the EU, France, Denmark, Italy, and Spain are testing age-limiting platforms.

Google and other tech firms will ensure widespread enforcement, though Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis holds final authority over its implementation. These changes reflect a growing consensus on the importance of age verification. However, technical disparities present challenges in harmonizing global safety measures.

Industry Probes

The age-verification measures unfold as Greek authorities investigate a high-stakes money laundering scheme involving 200 suspects, including civil servants. The suspects are accused of exploiting licensed gambling platforms to move illegal funds.

Authorities claim that participants opened accounts, collected profile codes, and deposited cash through affiliate retailers, such as cash stations, to avoid bank traces. The crackdown on financial crimes and underage access signals systemic reforms. The Finance Ministry has also drafted stricter protocols for illegal operators.