In the second half of 2025, Greece has established itself as Europe’s fastest-growing iGaming market, outpacing other established jurisdictions on the continent. A combination of a packed sports calendar and a crackdown on illegal gambling websites has shifted more players towards licensed platforms, driving this remarkable growth. Data from market-intelligence firm Blask highlights a 50% surge in demand for online gambling from June to December, solidifying Greece’s position as one of the most notable growth stories of the year.
Despite a broader slowdown in online gambling growth across much of Europe, where markets have matured and regulators imposed stricter controls, Greece’s market remains dynamic. The country’s transition to more online gambling options, coupled with evolving product offerings and tougher enforcement measures, has created significant opportunities for growth. As of the first half of 2024, Greece’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached €1.349 billion, a notable 8% year-over-year increase, according to the national regulator.
A Strong, Diverse Market Profile
Blask attributes much of Greece’s success to its well-developed online penetration. With nearly 9 million internet users in a country of 10 million, Greece boasts a strong digital presence. The market is notably young, with 63% of users aged 18–34. The gambling preferences of Greek players are also diverse, with 60% participating in lottery games, 45% engaging in traditional sports betting, and 30% exploring online casino games. This varied interest, along with a high level of internet adoption, has contributed to a balanced and resilient market, where no single vertical dominates.
Sports betting, however, has played a crucial role in the market’s recent surge. Blask notes that the Greek sports calendar has been pivotal, with major events stacked throughout the latter part of 2025. Unlike previous years, where spikes in demand followed by sharp declines were common, Greece saw sustained engagement due to a consistently packed sports schedule. This steady demand was observed from late August through autumn, helping to stabilize market fluctuations and reduce the typical volatility seen around individual tournaments or high-profile sporting events.
Merger, Regulatory Changes, and Tougher Enforcement
Beyond sports, other factors have further boosted Greece’s iGaming sector. Notably, regulatory adjustments have made online casinos more appealing to players. In particular, the decision to increase the stake limits for random number generator (RNG) games from €2 to €20 has enhanced the commercial viability of these products, especially during off-peak sports periods. This change has been beneficial for online casino operators, who have reported consistent double-digit growth in iGaming revenue as a result.
In addition to regulatory shifts, enforcement actions have played a critical role in channeling demand toward licensed platforms. In December 2025, Greek authorities successfully blocked nearly 11,000 illegal gambling websites. This crackdown, which targeted illegal operators using Greek-language sites and those operating under the .gr domain, has been a welcome development for the licensed sector. The Hellenic Gaming Association (HGA) has long campaigned for stronger enforcement, citing a €1.7 billion illegal market in 2023.
Enforcement has not only shifted the balance between licensed and unlicensed gambling but has also drawn attention to ongoing issues such as player fund protection. The HGA has pressed for further reforms and better coordination among regulators, law enforcement, and payment service providers to safeguard players and reduce the influence of illegal operators.
The Role of Payment Solutions and Taxation Concerns
Blask’s analysis also highlights the role of payment innovations, such as the adoption of IRIS instant payments, which have reduced friction in deposits and improved conversion rates from interest to activity. These innovations, alongside improvements in the user experience, have likely contributed to the sector’s expansion.
However, the HGA has raised concerns about the heavy tax burden on licensed operators, particularly the 35% tax on gross profits, which it claims, when combined with other taxes, can push the total tax burden to nearly 60%. This, the association argues, makes it difficult for legal operators to compete with the black market, which remains a significant challenge despite the progress made in enforcement.
For the Greek government, a rapidly expanding regulated market is a boon, offering increased tax revenue and greater contributions to social causes, particularly through lotteries. However, public health experts caution that this growth may come with risks, particularly if it leads to a higher prevalence of problem gambling without sufficient preventive measures in place.
Source:
Blask, Greece iGaming Growth H2 2025 Report, blask.com, January 28, 2026
