The role of casinos in the tourism industry

Greece is not only a country of ancient ruins and sunny islands, but also one of the centers of tourist casino business in Europe. Since the 1990s, gambling establishments have become an important part of the country's tourism infrastructure, attracting millions of visitors and creating thousands of jobs. Today, casinos in Greece are not just places to play, but integrated resorts that combine entertainment, gastronomy, SPA, congress tourism and culture.

1) Tourism and excitement: a symbiosis of tradition and modernity

The Greek model of recreational tourism is based on a combination of cultural heritage and modern entertainment.

Casinos have become part of this concept, complementing beaches, museums and gastronomic routes:

Tourists come not only for the sun and the sea, but also for gambling evenings in Loutraki, Athens or Thessaloniki.
Casinos are integrated into hotels and resorts, forming multifunctional complexes.
The presence of a casino increases the attractiveness of the region and stimulates long-term visits.

2) Geography of casino tourism

Greek casinos are evenly distributed throughout the country, creating a network of tourist centers:

Loutraki is the largest complex near the Gulf of Corinth, next to Athens.
Regency Casino Thessaloniki is the flagship of northern tourism and business guests.
Mont Parnes (Athens) is an elite casino with panoramic views of Attica.
Rhodes and Corfu are island gems focused on cultural and marine tourism.
This distribution turns casinos into points of economic growth connecting mainland and island Greece.

3) Economic contribution

The Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) estimates that the gambling sector annually brings:

more than €1.5-2 billion GGR (gross gaming income);
up to 30,000 jobs in related industries;
significant tax revenues (35% GGR).

Part of these funds goes to infrastructure development, resort improvement, sports financing and Responsible Gaming programs.

4) Casino as a driver of elite tourism

Greek casinos are actively developing the luxury and VIP tourism segment:

Loutraki and Thessaloniki offer private lounges, personal service and 5 hotels;
foreign tourists (especially from Israel, Cyprus, Italy and the UAE) choose casino resorts for recreation and business meetings;
international poker tournaments, gala evenings and gastronomic festivals are organized to increase the country's prestige.

Casinos become points of attraction for affluent audiences, increasing a tourist's average check and seasonal revenue.

5) Integration with the hotel and restaurant business

Almost all Greek casinos operate at hotels 4-5 (for example, Club Hotel Loutraki, Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki).

They include restaurants, bars, concert halls, SPA, congress centers.

The Casino Resort Experience model is being formed, where the tourist receives a range of services - from play to recreation and business.

This allows you to lengthen the tourist season, attract corporate events and MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions).

6) Island aspect

Casinos on the islands of Rhodes and Corfu play a special role:

they serve as a magnet for premium tourists arriving on yachts and cruises;
complement cultural attractions - ancient theaters, monasteries, beaches;
form a tourist triangle of elite recreation: history + gastronomy + excitement.
In the perspective of 2027-2030, it is planned to open casinos in Santorini and Crete, which will strengthen the island cluster.

7) Social and cultural component

Greek casinos position themselves as centers of entertainment and culture:

hold concerts, exhibitions, shows, theatrical productions;
sponsor sports clubs and festivals;
participate in Responsible Gaming educational initiatives.
Thus, casinos are not isolated from society, but become part of the cultural life of the country.

8) The role of the state and regulation

All casinos operate under the strict control of the EEEP (Hellenic Gaming Commission).

The state ensures a balance between business development and the protection of society.

Licensing, taxation and control of advertising are aimed at maintaining the image of a safe and transparent sector.

Regulation helps to strengthen the confidence of tourists and investors.

9) International importance

The Greek experience has become an example for other Mediterranean countries (Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro).

Greece has become a model of sustainable casino tourism, where excitement is embedded in the cultural context.

Its casinos are included in the European TOP-20 ratings, and Loutraki and Thessaloniki are among the largest in the EU.

10) Prospects to 2030

Expansion of infrastructure and digitalization of casinos (live games, mobile applications).

Opening of new resorts with casinos in Santorini, Crete and Mykonos.

Growth in the share of foreign tourists in the casino segment to 40-45%.

Development of joint programs between iGaming and travel agencies.

Casinos have become an integral part of the tourist brand of Greece - a symbol of its hospitality, elitism and modernity.

They combine economics, culture and tourism, creating a unique recreation format: excitement by the sea, under the starry sky of Hellas.

By 2030, the casino industry will strengthen Greece's position as the center of European luxury tourism, where history, emotions and pleasure are intertwined into a single tourist experience.