The iGN editorial team, in collaboration with experts from 4H Agency, has prepared an analysis of Greece's licensing model for iGaming. Online gambling, including casinos and betting, remains the only vertical open to private operators, while the land-based segment is strictly limited.
Casino licenses are awarded through tenders, with a cap of 10 licenses (9 have already been issued). Land-based betting, VLTs, and lotteries are under state monopoly. The HGC regulator issues two types of iGaming licenses: for online casinos and for online betting (fixed-odds betting).
iGaming Licenses (7 years):
- Application fee: $12,000 (for both licenses)
- Cost of online betting license: $3.6 million
- Cost of online casino license: $2.4 million
- Mandatory capital: $240,000
Applicant Requirements:
- Company registered in Greece or another EEA country
- No entry in the blacklist of offshore operators for one year prior to application
- Documented business development plan
- No criminal convictions for specific crimes (fraud, bribery, tax evasion, drugs, etc.)
- Internal policies for game transparency, player protection under 21, and compliance with legislation
- All gambling-related data must be stored on servers and equipment in Greece
- Separate permission from HGC for gaming equipment and software
- Certification of equipment in approved laboratories
Taxes:
- 35% of GGR
- Tax on betting winnings (online betting): Up to $120 exempt, up to $240 - 2.5%, up to $600 - 5%, above $600 - 7.5%
- Tax on winnings from gaming sessions (slots, casinos): Up to $120 exempt, up to $600 - 15%, above $600 - 20%
Market Features:
- Age limit of 21, one of the highest in the EU
- Mature market with a strong presence of international operators (bet365, PokerStars, Betsson, bwin, Novibet, NetBet, etc.)
- Manufacturers, suppliers, and service companies for gaming equipment undergo separate B2B licensing under regulator supervision
- Fixed 35% GGR for online operators, one of the highest tax burdens in Europe
- Fastest-growing iGaming market in Europe in 2H 2025 (50% Blask Index) amid a busy sports calendar, increased betting limits in online casinos (€2 to €20), extensive blocking of offshore sites, and the introduction of instant payments IRIS.
According to 4H, the Greek license combines a high tax burden (35% GGR) with one of the highest age limits in the EU (21). Meanwhile, the online license remains the only accessible format for private operators due to strict limitations in the land-based segment.
Greece has shown the fastest growth in iGaming activity in Europe in 2H 2025 (50% according to Blask Index) with one of the highest entry thresholds in the region.