A 2024 Kapa survey found that, at the time, three out of four Greek players claimed they could turn to illegal gambling. This was largely attributed to high taxation, a lack of restrictions and regulators' difficulties in monitoring transactions.
The research, titled “The Tax Framework of Online Gambling: Contribution to Public Revenues and the Shift of Players to Illegal Networks,” now highlights previously unpublished factors influencing player behaviour. Some preliminary findings were presented at an international conference in Rome in late 2024 by Dr Leonidas Karakidis.
The study identified major enforcement challenges, as many payments to illegal platforms went unrecorded due to offshore operations or intermediary mechanisms. The repeated reappearance of illegal websites under new domain names further complicated enforcement efforts.
Research also found that Greece was among the most “expensive” gambling markets in Europe. The country operates a dual taxation system, with a 35% GGR tax applied to both online casinos and online betting, while player winnings are taxed separately based on the amount. In comparison, most European markets rely on either operator-only taxation or lower overall tax rates.
The situation has not changed significantly in 2026 and may have worsened, with tax on player winnings from online casinos set to increase from 1 July 2026. For winnings between €100 ($115) and €500, the rate will rise from 15% to 20%, while for amounts above €500 it will increase from 20% to 30%. These changes are permanent.
Industry insiders warned that the measure will add further strain on operators. Although the tax is formally passed on to players, many providers absorb part of the cost to maintain their customer base.
Greece's high-tax model is likely to drive more players towards unregulated markets. With additional tax increases on the horizon, the pressure on the legal sector is expected to grow, raising concerns about long-term sustainability, state revenues and player protection.
In February, a bill was proposed in Greece to strengthen the crackdown on illegal gambling and introduce tougher sanctions for violators, including companies, players and influencers who endorse or promote illegal websites
