The Greek gambling regulator, Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEΠ), has reported a significant 18.7% year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the licensed iGaming sector, reaching €647.2 million in the first half of 2026. The figures were presented on October 6 during a visit by the Minister of National Economy and Finance. The regulator also highlighted its use of an artificial intelligence platform to combat illegal gambling, alongside a market outlook prepared by Deloitte Business Solutions.
Market Growth and iGaming Performance
According to the EEEΠ, the total Greek gambling market generated €1.56 billion in GGR during H1 2026, up 8% from the previous year. iGaming was a key driver, responsible for 88% of the market’s GGR growth (€102.1 million out of €116 million). The iGaming segment’s share of total GGR increased from 37.8% in H1 2025 to 41.5% in H1 2026. State budget receipts from gambling rose by 14.4% year-on-year to €627.3 million, growing nearly twice as fast as the market overall. The impact of a new tax on online casino winnings, effective from July, has not yet been reflected in these figures.
Long-Term Projections and Illegal Market Challenges
Deloitte’s forecast, commissioned by the regulator, projects the Greek gambling market GGR to reach €5.25 billion by 2040, up from €3.07 billion in 2025. The iGaming sector is expected to see 125% growth between 2025 and 2040, eventually accounting for half of total market GGR. Average annual growth for iGaming is expected to be 5.6% between 2031 and 2040.
The illegal gambling market remains a concern, with EEEΠ estimating €1.8 billion in illegal bets in 2025 and nearly 10% of the population participating in unlicensed gambling. The regulator has filed criminal complaints against 18 influencers promoting unlicensed operators, whose combined Instagram following exceeds 3.6 million.
Regulator’s AI Platform and Enforcement Efforts
Since June, EEEΠ’s artificial intelligence platform has checked 3,283 websites, identifying 1,001 as illegal and adding 734 to a blacklist. The regulator reports that the platform now handles 75% of staff workload related to site monitoring, speeding up checks by at least two to three times. The Minister of National Economy and Finance emphasized that social media popularity does not exempt individuals from responsibility or prosecution when promoting illegal gambling.
Why This Matters for the Industry
The rapid growth of the regulated iGaming sector and increased enforcement against illegal operators signal a more competitive and compliant environment in Greece. Licensed operators and affiliates benefit from a larger legal market and clearer rules, but also face stricter oversight and tax changes. Suppliers and technology providers may find new opportunities as the regulator invests in advanced monitoring tools. Meanwhile, ongoing action against illegal gambling and influencer marketing highlights the need for robust compliance strategies and transparent partnerships.
Key takeaways
- Greek iGaming GGR up 18.7% to €647.2m in H1 2026, driving most market growth
- Regulator’s AI platform has accelerated illegal site detection and enforcement
- Deloitte forecasts iGaming to make up 50% of market GGR by 2040
- Illegal gambling remains a major challenge despite regulatory progress