All types of gambling are legal: casinos, lotteries, bookmakers, online gambling

Modern Greece is one of the few countries in Europe where all major forms of gambling are fully legalized. From land-based casinos on the coast to online platforms of global brands, the market operates under strict state control, providing stable tax revenues and player protection.

1) Full range of permitted forms of gambling

• Casinos - both terrestrial and live formats;
• ️ Lotteries - public and private under the OPAP brand;
• Bookmakers - offline and online, with an EEEP license;
• Online gambling - slots, roulette, poker, live games, e-sports.

All of these types are regulated by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP), which issues licenses, audits operators and monitors compliance with Responsible Gaming standards.

2) Casinos: high-end tourism and entertainment hubs

There are ten licensed casinos in Greece, including Casino Loutraki, Regency Casino Thessaloniki, Casino Parnitha, Porto Carras and Casino Rhodes.

Casinos are required to comply with KYC standards, betting limits and responsible gambling rules.

Most of the facilities are integrated with hotels and resorts, forming the casino-tourism sector.

3) Lotteries and bookmaking

The monopoly operator of the lotteries remains OPAP, partially privatized, but operating under state supervision.

OPAP also operates a chain of betting outlets and an online betting platform, being the largest source of gambling tax revenue in the country.

Since 2019, international bookmakers (Bet365, Stoiximan, Bwin, PokerStars) have also entered the market, having received licenses for online activities.

4) Online gambling: the digital era of Greek gaming

1. Online Betting License - for betting and fantasy sports, 2. Online Casino License - for slots, poker and live games.

The license is valid for 7 years, extension is possible after the audit.

Online operators are required to integrate with the EEEP system for automatic reporting.

5) Player control and safety

Greece has strict Responsible Gaming standards: deposit and time limits, self-exclusion, help hotlines.

All sites are required to have an 18 + label and a warning about the risk of addiction.

Gambling advertising is regulated, targeting minors and aggressive slogans is prohibited.

6) Taxation and contribution to the economy

Operators pay 35% tax on GGR (gross gaming income).

Players are taxed on winnings from 10% (small amounts) to 15-20% (large winnings).

Gambling revenues are about 1.5-2 billion euros GGR per year, providing thousands of jobs and support for social infrastructure.

7) Social Balance and Responsible Gaming

RG programs are overseen by EEEP and funded by special operator funds.

A single national self-exclusion base has been created - players can temporarily or permanently block access to games.

Operators are required to monitor suspicious behavior (frequent deposits, night sessions) and inform the player of the risks.

8) Greece in the context of the EU

The Greek system is recognized as one of the most transparent in the region.

The legislation complies with EU directives on AML and consumer protection.

Greece cooperates with regulators MGA (Malta), UKGC (UK) and Spillemyndigheden (Denmark) in the exchange of experience and the fight against illegal sites.

9) Prospects to 2030

Expansion of the online sector and integration with tourism.

Growing number of international operators opening offices in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Introduction of AI-monitoring of player behavior and automatic real-time reporting.

Development of omnichannel gambling: a single wallet, missions and bonuses offline + online.

Greece is a country where gambling has become a legitimate and mature part of the economy.

Legalization of all kinds - from casinos to online platforms - has created a transparent market with high social responsibility. Thanks to a strong regulator (EEEP), strict standards and active tourism, Greece will consolidate its status as one of the most balanced iGaming jurisdictions in Europe by 2030, where excitement, culture and law are in harmony.