Greece Gambling Revenue Exceeds €2 Billion in First Eight Months of 2026
Greece.- 6 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Greece’s regulated gambling market generated €2.061 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the first eight months of 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 4.2%.
Figures published by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) show that the industry maintained positive momentum, primarily supported by online betting and casino gaming.
The report also highlights higher government receipts and the growing contribution of digital operations.
Total Betting Turnover Reaches €11.69 Billion
Between January and August 2026, the market recorded:
- Gross gaming revenue: €2.061 billion, up 4.2%.
- Total betting turnover: €11.69 billion, an increase of 10.4%.
- Government participation receipts from operators: €484.5 million, up 7.9%.
- Tax withheld on player winnings: €369.4 million, an increase of 27.3%.
The results demonstrate expanding market activity, although wagering turnover increased faster than operators’ gross gaming revenue.
Online Gambling Drives Growth
Digital platforms recorded the strongest performance among the principal market segments.
During the first eight months of 2026, online gambling generated:
- Betting turnover: €5.65 billion, up 17.4%.
- Gross gaming revenue: €853.7 million, an increase of 13.1%.
Digital gambling accounted for approximately 41.4% of total regulated GGR.
The figures confirm the increasing importance of online casino and sports betting operations within the Greek gambling industry.
Land-Based Operations Maintain Significant Market Share
Allwyn’s land-based business, including retail outlets and video lottery terminals (VLTs), remained one of the industry’s largest segments.
Its results included:
- Betting turnover: €4.98 billion, an increase of 5.6%.
- Gross gaming revenue: €962.5 million, down 1.2%.
Although wagering activity increased, gross gaming revenue declined slightly.
The performance contrasts with the double-digit growth recorded by digital operators.
Casinos Report Moderate Growth
Land-based casinos also recorded positive results.
The segment generated:
- Betting turnover: €853.8 million, up 1%.
- Gross gaming revenue: €182.6 million, an increase of 3.7%.
The figures indicate moderate growth, although at a slower rate than online gambling.
Traditional lotteries experienced a decline, with GGR falling by 16% to €58.3 million.
Tax on Player Winnings Increases 27.3%
One of the report’s most significant findings was the increase in taxes withheld on player winnings.
Receipts reached €369.4 million, compared with €290.2 million during the first eight months of 2025.
The increase coincided with the introduction of higher tax rates on certain online casino and poker winnings, effective from 1 July 2026.
The revised rates established:
- Winnings up to €100: exempt.
- Winnings between €100 and €500: 20%.
- Winnings above €500: 30%.
However, the cumulative figures include six months before the reform, meaning the overall increase cannot be attributed entirely to the new rates.
Greece Strengthens Action Against Illegal Gambling
Market growth is accompanied by stronger efforts to combat unlicensed operators.
The Hellenic Gaming Commission is expanding its supervisory capabilities through technology and additional investigative resources.
The initiatives include artificial intelligence tools designed to identify websites potentially offering gambling services without authorisation.
The objective is to strengthen consumer protection and support activity within the regulated market.
HGC Introduces Monthly Market Reports
The regulator has announced a new system for publishing official gambling statistics.
Under the initiative, the Hellenic Gaming Commission will release monthly data covering operator performance and the industry’s principal financial indicators.
The reports will become available after operators have submitted the relevant information.
The measure aims to improve transparency and facilitate market monitoring.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The results confirm the continued transformation of the Greek gambling industry, with digital platforms accounting for an increasing proportion of market activity.
While online operators are driving growth, land-based businesses are recording more moderate performance.
With €2.061 billion in gross gaming revenue, €11.69 billion in betting turnover and 13.1% growth in online gambling, Greece is consolidating the expansion of its regulated market during 2026.
Tax developments and enforcement measures against illegal gambling will remain important factors in the coming months.
Edited by: @fonta
