Greece Gambling Revenue Hits €1.558bn in H1 2026

Greece’s regulated gambling sector generated €1.558 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the first six months of 2026, marking an 8% increase compared with the same period last year. Online gambling accounted for most of the market’s expansion, according to figures published by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC).

The results were presented on 6 October at a briefing attended by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, following the approval of new legislation intended to strengthen gambling oversight and expand the commission’s powers.

Government revenue from the sector also increased, reaching €627.3 million between January and June, compared with €548.3 million in the corresponding period of 2025. This represents year-on-year growth of 14.4%.

The latest performance follows a strong 2025, when Greece’s regulated gambling market recorded €3.07 billion in GGR.

Online Gambling Accounts for 88% of Market Growth

Online operators generated €647.2 million in revenue during the first half of 2026, up from €545.1 million a year earlier, representing an increase of 18.7%.

Land-based gambling recorded more modest growth of 1.6%, with revenue reaching €910.6 million.

Online gambling consequently increased its share of the total market from 37.8% to 41.5%. The land-based segment’s share declined from 62.2% to 58.5%.

The market expanded by approximately €116 million over the six-month period. Online gambling contributed €102.1 million of that increase, while land-based operations added €13.9 million. According to European Gaming, online gambling therefore accounted for 88% of the market’s overall growth.

HGC Plans AI Platform to Detect Illegal Gambling

The HGC is preparing to use an artificial intelligence-powered platform to strengthen its response to unlicensed gambling. During the briefing, commission officials demonstrated a system designed to identify, evaluate and document websites suspected of providing or advertising illegal gambling services.

The technology will collect and analyse information to help the regulator assemble evidence and respond to suspected violations more quickly.

Pierrakakis emphasised that the success of the recently approved legal framework would depend on how effectively it is implemented and how well it protects citizens.

“The effectiveness of the new framework is judged by its implementation and the protection it offers to citizens,” the finance minister said.

Addressing illegal gambling promotion on social media, he added that “Popularity does not offer immunity and influence implies responsibility”. He also called for greater use of digital technology to identify unlawful activity and safeguard vulnerable groups.

Pierrakakis further confirmed that 18 individuals were under investigation over the promotion of illegal online gambling.

HGC President Antonis M. Bartholomew highlighted the importance of maintaining a regulated environment and establishing clear requirements for gambling providers.

“The top condition for the protection of the player is a regulated market, with clear rules for all providers,” Bartholomew said. “We set the rules. The player sets his limit. Our rules and the player’s limit are the prerequisite for his safety.”