Taxation: 35% GGR

Greece's gambling tax system is considered one of the most balanced in Europe: on the one hand, it provides stable revenues for the budget, on the other, it leaves operators room for profit and investment. A key element is the 35% tax on gross gaming income (GGR), which applies to all licensed operators - both online and offline.

1) What is GGR and how is it calculated

GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) is gross gambling revenue equal to the sum of all gamblers' bets minus payouts won.

Example: if players bet €10 million, and payments amounted to €9 million, GGR = €1 million. Of this amount, the operator pays 35% tax, that is, €350,000.

2) 35% GGR tax rate

Valid since 2013, when Greece first set a single rate for all verticals.

• land-based casinos;
• bookmakers;
• lotteries and bingo;
• online gambling (including slots, poker and live games).
• The tax is collected monthly, with mandatory reporting to the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) and the Ministry of Finance.

3) Distribution of tax revenues

• 50% - to the state budget of Greece (financing of infrastructure and tourism);
• 25% - to support health care, education and sports;
• 15% - to the Responsible Gaming fund and the fight against ludomania;
• 10% - on digital innovation and development of the IT sector iGaming.

Thus, the tax system not only regulates the market, but also finances social programs.

4) Taxing player winnings

• up to €100 - without tax, €100-500 - 10%, over € 500 - 15-20%.
• Operators are required to automatically withhold tax on withdrawals.
• Taxes go to the state budget directly, which excludes the possibility of evasion.

5) Advantages of the Greek model

Transparency: The tax is tied to GGR, not turnover, making the system fair.

Predictability: a fixed rate of 35% does not depend on the volume of the business.

Incentive to legalization: moderate load motivates operators to work officially.

Social focus: Some taxes go to Responsible Gaming and community support.

6) Comparison with other EU countries

Greece occupies an average position: not too soft (like Malta), but not tough (like France).

7) Impact on operators

Licensed companies - Bet365, PokerStars, Bwin, Stoiximan, OPAP - have adapted their financial models to 35% GGR.

For offline casinos, the tax is compensated by the growth of tourism and the VIP segment.

Online operators use NGR (Net Gaming Revenue) optimization through a bonus policy, which allows them to maintain a margin of 10-15%.

8) Control and reporting

All operators are required to connect to the EEEP centralized monitoring system by transmitting real-time data.

Reporting includes bets, wins, bonuses, cancellations and Responsible Gaming metrics.

Violations of the tax regime entail a fine of up to €500,000 and the revocation of the license.

9) Reform outlook

The Ministry of Finance is discussing the possibility of a flexible rate for startups - 25-30% in the early years.

It is planned to introduce GGR instance reporting through the API, which will speed up tax processes.

It is possible to export the Greek tax model as a standard for the Balkan region.

The 35% tax on GGR has become the foundation of sustainability and trust in Greek iGaming.

It provides transparency for the state, a level playing field for operators and protection for players.

Thanks to a balanced rate and digital control through the EEEP, Greece has become one of the most stable and law-abiding gambling jurisdictions in Europe, where taxes work for the public good, not against business.