The online gambling market in Greece is expanding rapidly, according to data presented by the Hellenic Gaming Association (HGA), with industry leaders highlighting both the sector’s growth prospects and the need for stronger action against illegal betting operations.
The industry’s future development, including the expansion of licensed operators and efforts to combat illegal gambling, was a central theme at the 4th Greek Online Gaming Day conference held in Athens, which brought together representatives from the gaming industry and public authorities.
Growth and outlook
According to HGA data, Greece’s online gaming market continued to grow strongly in 2025, reflecting a broader shift in consumer behavior toward digital platforms. The online segment accounted for 39% of the total gaming market, while online gaming revenues rose 12% year-on-year and online casino activity increased by 19%.
“The sector has grown significantly in recent years and has become a highly active part of the Greek economy,” HGA President Christos Panagopoulos said. “It remains a growth industry with further upside potential in the coming years.”
Panagopoulos noted that gaming companies employ a large number of people in Greece and abroad, operate at the forefront of technology and contribute to economic growth through well-paid jobs and tax revenues.
“As gaming operators, we generate turnover and taxes that should be returned to the state, especially at a time when every euro is extremely valuable,” he said.
At the same time, he called for regulatory measures aimed at protecting the licensed market from illegal betting rather than reducing tax rates, arguing that the underground gambling sector continues to divert substantial activity away from regulated operators.
According to previous studies cited during the event, illegal gambling activity in Greece is estimated to generate around 2 billion euros in annual turnover that remains untaxed.
Illegal gambling remains a challenge
HGA Deputy Director General A. Alexiou said around 10% of consumers are estimated to have participated in illegal gambling platforms, with average spending approaching 2,000 euros per user.
He added that Greece’s blacklist of illegal gambling websites now exceeds 14,500 domains, underlining the scale of the challenge facing regulators.
Authorities have also imposed fines totaling approximately 1.7 million euros for violations linked to illegal gambling activity and promotion, Alexiou said.
He stressed that market growth should not be assessed solely through financial metrics but also by the extent to which activity takes place within a safe and regulated framework, describing the fight against illegal gambling as one of the industry’s key priorities.
Regulatory and European dimension
According to the chairman of the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP), one of the most important changes in tackling illegal gambling is the transition from a reactive enforcement model to a system focused on prevention and early intervention.
“Technology evolves continuously and illegal operators adapt quickly to new conditions,” he said. “This requires ongoing cooperation between regulators, operators and all stakeholders involved.”
He said that approximately 900,000 people, or 10.55% of Greece’s population, participated in illegal gambling activities in 2025, resulting in an estimated 400 million euros in lost tax revenues for the Greek state.
Speakers at the conference also stressed that illegal gambling has become a cross-border issue that cannot be addressed solely at the national level, requiring greater international cooperation, information sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts.
Industry experts warned that one of the most concerning aspects of illegal gambling is its connection to addiction. The ease of access provided by digital channels can expose users to unregulated platforms that lack the consumer protection mechanisms required in the licensed market.
They noted that combating illegal gambling is not only about safeguarding public revenues and protecting legitimate operators, but also about addressing broader social concerns, particularly the protection of players and vulnerable groups.
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