Greece defends higher gambling tax as player tax receipts rise in 2026

Greece is defending its decision to increase taxes on online casino and poker winnings after new figures indicated a substantial rise in gambling-related tax collections during the first two months under the revised system. The latest figures from the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) point to increased contributions from player winnings, providing an early indication of the potential financial impact of the government's revised gambling tax policy.

Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has supported the higher rates, arguing that the additional revenue can contribute to public finances and help fund public services. The government is also pursuing a broader regulatory strategy aimed at strengthening oversight of the licensed gambling industry and reducing activity across the unlicensed market.

The figures cover January to August 2026 and show that tax withheld from gambling players' winnings increased considerably compared with the same period last year. However, the latest developments also raise questions about the relationship between higher taxation, player behaviour and the competitiveness of Greece's regulated online gambling sector.

Gambling tax receipts increase significantly in 2026

According to the latest HGC figures, tax withheld from players' winnings reached €369.4 million during the first eight months of 2026. This represented a 27.3% increase compared with the €290.2 million collected over the corresponding period in 2025.

The strongest immediate increase appeared during July and August, the first two months following the introduction of the revised tax rates. Collections during these months reached €91.3 million, representing a 73.1% increase compared with the €52.8 million recorded during the same period a year earlier.

These figures provide an early indication that the revised gambling tax arrangements are having a noticeable effect on player-related tax collections. Nevertheless, the increase should be considered alongside wider market developments rather than attributed exclusively to the new rates.

Separately, public-sector participation from gambling activities increased by 7.9% year-on-year to €484.5 million during January to August. This measure includes the state's participation and the relevant regulatory levy.

Gross gaming revenue (GGR) across the Greek gambling market also increased. Total sector GGR reached approximately €2.06 billion during the reporting period, representing growth of 4.2% compared with the previous year.

Online gambling remains an important growth area

Online gambling continued to make a substantial contribution to the Greek gaming market during the first eight months of 2026.

Online GGR increased by 13.1% to €853.6 million, demonstrating the continuing importance of digital gambling services within the wider industry. Tax withheld from online players' winnings also recorded considerable growth, reaching €273.8 million, an increase of 38.5% year-on-year.

However, the figures for July and August offer an additional perspective. Online operators generated approximately €206.5 million in GGR during those two months, compared with €209.5 million in the same period of 2025. This represented a decline of around 1.4%.

The contrast between higher player tax collections and slightly lower online GGR is particularly relevant when evaluating the revised gambling tax framework.

It suggests that the increase in tax receipts cannot simply be explained by a corresponding expansion in online gambling activity. The higher withholding rates are an important factor to consider, although other market and behavioural developments may also influence the figures.

How Greece's revised gambling tax system works

The revised taxation framework introduced a higher level of taxation on winnings from online casino games and poker. The new rates became applicable on July 1, 2026, following the legislative changes included in Law 5313/2026.

Under the revised arrangements, the first €100 in winnings per gaming session remains exempt from taxation. Winnings exceeding €100 and reaching up to €500 are subject to a 20% tax rate.

For winnings exceeding €500, the applicable rate increases to 30%.

The changes represent an increase from the previous rates, under which winnings between €100 and €500 were taxed at 15% while amounts above €500 were subject to a 20% rate.

The government has therefore increased the applicable rates by five and ten percentage points across the two taxable categories.

The structure is intended to distinguish between different levels of winnings while retaining a tax-free threshold for smaller amounts. It also makes the tax treatment of online casino and poker winnings more demanding for players receiving larger payouts.

Importantly, the changes concern the relevant category of online games rather than introducing an identical increase across every gambling product available in Greece.

Government expects additional revenue from higher taxes

When presenting the revised taxation proposal in March 2026, Kyriakos Pierrakakis indicated that the measure could generate approximately €100 million in additional annual public revenue once fully implemented.

Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Thanos Petralias also explained the government's expectations regarding the financial contribution of the changes.

According to Petralias, the revised gambling tax framework was expected to generate approximately €50 million during 2026. The projected contribution could increase to around €100 million annually from 2027 onwards.

The difference between the two estimates reflects the timing of implementation. Since the higher rates only became effective in July, their contribution during 2026 is expected to cover approximately half a year.

Petralias also defended the policy by pointing to the expansion of online casino gaming and poker in Greece. The government considers the increased contribution from these activities part of a wider effort to align gambling-related revenues with developments in the digital gaming market.

Another issue raised during the policy discussion concerns the possibility that higher taxes could encourage some players to use unlicensed gambling websites.

Petralias indicated that the government's financial projections considered potential changes in player behaviour. He also referred to information obtained from licensed operators when explaining how the expected revenue figures had been calculated.

Whether the new rates will have any significant long-term effect on player participation in the regulated market remains an important issue for future monitoring.

Greece strengthens action against illegal online gambling

The higher gambling tax forms part of a broader regulatory programme that also seeks to address illegal online gambling.

In October 2026, authorities announced that criminal complaints had been filed in cases involving 18 social-media influencers suspected of promoting unlicensed gambling services.

The reported cases represent an expansion of regulatory attention beyond gambling operators themselves. Social-media promotion and digital advertising channels have become relevant areas for enforcement as authorities seek to limit the visibility of unlicensed platforms.

The allegations remain subject to the appropriate investigative and legal procedures. The filing of criminal complaints does not establish guilt or determine the liability of the individuals concerned.

Meanwhile, the Hellenic Gaming Commission has been working to strengthen its operational and investigative capacity.

The regulator announced a recruitment initiative involving 40 positions within its Gaming Inspectors Corps. The positions are being filled through secondments from other public-sector organisations, with seven intended for IT specialists.

The additional personnel are expected to support the commission's supervisory activities, particularly where technical expertise is required to identify and investigate online gambling-related activity.

Stronger penalties and expanded regulatory powers

Greece's wider gambling reforms also include stronger enforcement mechanisms and additional powers for the HGC.

The revised legal framework provides the regulator with enhanced tools to investigate suspected violations and address unlicensed gambling operations. Cooperation with relevant authorities also supports efforts to identify websites distributing unauthorised gambling services and restrict access to them.

The administrative sanctions framework permits fines of up to €2 million for violations, depending on their seriousness and frequency.

The legislation also provides for significant criminal penalties in specified cases involving the organisation and operation of unlicensed gambling services. Particularly serious offences involving games of chance can carry prison sentences of at least 10 years under the applicable provisions.

These measures are intended to make enforcement more effective by addressing different elements of the illegal gambling ecosystem.

The focus extends beyond the operators responsible for running unlicensed services. Authorities are also paying attention to promotional activity and online channels that may direct consumers towards gambling platforms operating outside the country's licensing requirements.

For the regulator, improving enforcement capacity is particularly important as digital gambling services continue to evolve and operators increasingly rely on online distribution and marketing.

What the tax increase means for Greece's gambling market

The latest figures highlight the financial importance of online gambling to Greece's wider gaming sector. The increase in player-related tax collections provides an early indication of the additional revenue that the revised system may generate.

At the same time, the relatively stable online GGR recorded in July and August demonstrates why regulators will need to assess more than tax receipts when evaluating the effectiveness of the policy.

A sustainable gambling framework requires a balance between public revenue, responsible gambling measures and the continued participation of licensed operators and consumers.

Higher taxation can increase the state's immediate share of player winnings. However, the longer-term results will also depend on whether the regulated market remains attractive and whether enforcement measures can effectively restrict access to unlicensed alternatives.

The government's approach combines higher taxation with tougher supervision and expanded investigative resources. Future HGC data should help establish whether the initial increases in collections translate into a sustained improvement in public revenue without undermining the regulated market.

Conclusion

Greece's revised gambling tax system represents a significant development in the country's approach to regulating online casino games and poker. The increase in player-related tax receipts during July and August provides an encouraging early financial result for the government, although the longer-term impact will require continued examination.

The €369.4 million collected from player winnings during the first eight months of 2026 demonstrates the substantial contribution gambling taxation makes to public finances. Meanwhile, the growth in online gambling revenue highlights the importance of digital operators within the country's regulated gaming industry.

However, the success of the policy should not be measured by revenue figures alone. Maintaining a competitive licensed market, protecting consumers and preventing the expansion of unlicensed gambling activity will remain equally important considerations.

Through higher tax rates, additional regulatory personnel and stronger enforcement provisions, Greece is pursuing a more comprehensive approach to gambling supervision. The coming months will provide a clearer picture of whether these measures can deliver the expected financial benefits while supporting a transparent and sustainable gambling environment.

FAQs

When did Greece introduce the higher gambling tax rates?
The revised taxation rates for relevant online casino games and poker winnings came into effect on July 1, 2026.

What are the new gambling tax rates in Greece?
Winnings above €100 and up to €500 per gaming session are taxed at 20%. Amounts exceeding €500 are subject to a 30% rate.

Is the first €100 in online gambling winnings tax-free?
Yes. The revised system retains a tax-free allowance of €100 per gaming session for the relevant category of online games.

How much tax did Greece collect from gambling winnings in 2026?
Tax withheld from players' winnings reached €369.4 million between January and August 2026, representing a 27.3% increase year-on-year.

How much revenue did online gambling generate in Greece?
Online gross gaming revenue reached €853.6 million during the first eight months of 2026, an increase of 13.1% compared with the same period in 2025.

Who defended the higher gambling tax rates?
Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and Deputy Minister Thanos Petralias publicly explained and defended the government's revised taxation approach.

How much additional revenue does Greece expect from the new taxes?
The government expects approximately €50 million in additional revenue during 2026 and around €100 million annually from 2027 onwards.

What is the role of the Hellenic Gaming Commission?
The HGC is responsible for regulating and supervising gambling activities in Greece. Its responsibilities include market oversight, regulatory compliance and action against unlicensed gambling services.

What action has Greece taken against illegal gambling promotion?
Authorities announced criminal complaints in cases involving 18 social-media influencers suspected of promoting unlicensed gambling services. The matters remain subject to investigation.

Can illegal gambling operations face significant penalties in Greece?
Yes. The revised legal framework provides for administrative fines of up to €2 million for relevant violations. Certain serious unlicensed gambling offences can also carry substantial prison sentences.