Greece: Online gambling market grows 19% for Q1 2026

The Greek Gambling Authority (EEEP) has announced that the online gambling market recorded 19% year-on-year growth in Q1 2026. The overall gambling market grew by 6.5%, while land-based casinos recorded more modest growth of 2.5%.

EEEP President Antonis Vartholomaios highlighted that online gaming is steadily increasing its share of the overall market. Currently, the market is divided between approximately 61% land-based gambling and 39% online gambling, although the EEEP expects this ratio to move closer to a 50-50 split in the coming years.

The Greek online gambling market has indeed recorded strong double-digit growth in recent years.  In 2024, this was most prominent as the market recorded its strongest expansion in the past decade, a 23% year-over-year increase. Growth continued in 2025, although at a slower pace, with online GGR still rising by 11.7% year-on-year to €1.19bn ($1.36bn). 

The continued growth of the market is attracting interest from international operators. Vartholomaios confirmed that the EEEP is reviewing an application from Bally’s Intralot for two online licences, covering both betting and casino games.

The authority is also reviewing the regulatory framework for online gambling advertising. The EEEP is preparing proposals expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the aim of balancing market growth with player protection.

Furthermore, EEEP is closely monitoring emerging forms of gambling, including platforms using cryptocurrencies and prediction markets, where users place bets on political, economic and other events.

According to Vartholomaios, discussions are already taking place at the European level on whether these services should be regulated as gambling products or treated as financial products.

The EEEP is studying the issue and highlighted the need for cooperation with the Bank of Greece and other supervisory authorities, as these activities currently operate without a unified regulatory framework.