Greece has become one of the countries to watch, when talking about gambling in Europe. More specifically, the Greeks wagered over $4 billion online in 2024 on international and local brands such as Pamestoixima, Stoiximan, Novibet.
Despite the radicalization of regulations and the flourishing market, a progressive tax rate of up to 7.5% on tax winnings exceeding €100, lack of betting exchanges and strict KYC from the get-go are enough to push locals to new alternatives.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best Greek betting sites you can join online and bet without these disadvantages. You will also find a deep dive into the regulation and all the steps needed to get started. But first, let’s check our top 3 sites.
Bookmaker Comparison | Local Licensed | International |
Licensing | Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) | Malta, Curacao, Kahnawake and other international regulators |
Payment Methods | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Instant Banking, Viva, E-wallets | Debit Cards, Credit Cards, E-wallets, Cryptos, 30+ Other Options |
User Experience | Fully localized for Greek users (language, CS) | Few sites support the Greek language |
KYC Verification | Mandatory | Depending on the website |
Taxation | 7.5% (Progressive) | No Taxation |
The first thing you need to know is that there are only a few licensed betting sites in Greece. the main reason is the high taxation rates. For a more diverse pool of options, you should also take a look at international brands offering their services to Greek players.
Full List of the Best Betting Sites in Greece
How to Find the Best Bookmakers in Greece
The first thing you should note is that Greeks are very demanding bettors. This is why you should examine many criteria before choosing which sites better cover your needs.
Sports & Markets
Locals enjoy wagering on several different sports. This is why your ideal bookmakers must offer high odds across all sports and markets to ensure you gain the most from your wagers.
Live Betting
Except for pre-match, Greeks place many bets in-play. What you need to be cautious about is sites that offer high pre-match and low live betting odds.
Features
Lately, many bettors base their strategies on the available website features and services. Some of the most notable ones you should look for in the best betting sites in Greece are Bet Builder, Live Streaming, and Cash Out.
Payments
Instant banking, credit cards, and e-wallets (such as VISA) are the most common transaction options in the country. You need sportsbooks that have a diverse cashier with 10+ methods.
Local Options
All online bookies will allow you to perform transactions in euros, so you will not have to pay any conversion fees. On the other hand, it is an added plus if a website lets you switch the language to Greek and also supports Greek support.
What You Need to Know About Online Betting in Greece
Active Players | Legal Age | Local Currency | Player Protection |
3,500,000+ | 21 (online) | Euro (€) | HGC |
Even though players on high street bookies can bet at 18, the legal online age is 21. In addition, land-based betting and lottery shops are a monopoly operated by OPAP, while online Greek betting sites are free to apply for and acquire a local license.
The first actual steps towards regulating the gambling scene in the country took place in 2011 with the implementation of Law 4002/2011 and the new Remote Gambling Act.
Is Online Betting in Greece Legal?
The government granted temporary licenses valid for 5 years to 24 operators. At the same time, the Greek regulatory body, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), issued the first blacklist containing the domains of sportsbooks that weren’t licensed but kept operating within the local market. Eight years later, in October 2019, a new draft bill was voted to signal the end of this transition period and regulate the market.
All potential operators were allowed to apply for a permanent license, initially valid for 7 years, with a cost of €3m for the sportsbook product and €2m for the casino. The licensing process was completed in August 2021, and all betting sites in Greece that met the HGC’s criteria began operations.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Winnings?
At the moment, all legal online brands pay a 35% tax on their gross gambling revenue. In addition, players are burdened with a progressive tax of up to 7.5% for total net winnings exceeding €100. What’s more, the Gaming Commission keeps on updating its blacklist with unlicensed sportsbooks and plans to ban violators permanently.
However, international bookmakers in Greece still accept locals, and since the new regulation has severely affected them, an ever-increasing player rate opts for them. They run no risk of fines or imprisonment by the Greek government, and given that they are 18 years old or above, they can freely open an account.
International vs. Local Greek Betting Sites?
International and local sportsbooks in the country have some distinct advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, if you face a problem with a local bookie, you can complain directly to the HGC. They are also in charge of player protection, which is easier to self-exclude. This is not an option when wagering on international betting sites in Greece.
On the other hand, brands that do not hold a local license make it easier to avoid steep taxation. Depending on what you are looking for, security or anonymity, you should pick the site that best suits your needs.
Can You Use Betting Apps in Greece?
Absolutely. Greeks are some of the most hardcore bettors in the world. This is why operators do anything in their power to accommodate them. One of the most popular ways is by developing and offering a native application. After all, most players enjoy betting on the go. For more information, check out our guide about the best mobile bookmakers.
What is the Direction of Online Betting in Greece
What’s impressive is that even though Greece is a small country, the gambling revenue for sports betting was €830 million in 2024. The number will only grow based on the locals’ love for sports, especially football, basketball, tennis, and volleyball.
Football
Football is by far the king of sports regarding online betting in Greece. Punters enjoy wagering on the local Superleague, as well as all the top European ones, including the English Premier League, the German Bundesliga, and the Spanish La Liga. International competitions, like the World Cup or the Euros, are also immensely popular. You can find a lot of combo markets with Enhanced Odds and many other promotions on the top matches daily.
Basketball
Basketball is the national sport in Greece. The national team has won multiple medals in several top-tier international competitions. In addition, local teams Olympiacos and Panathinaikos always take center stage in the Euroleague, which is the best basketball competition in the continent. Of course, the NBA also draws great attention to basketball betting.
Tennis
Tennis is close to basketball and competes for second place in popularity in Greece, even though very few top players originate from the country. However, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari compete in the Grand Slams yearly, dramatically increasing their interest in gambling. In addition, tennis in Greece is more popular for live betting than basketball.
Volleyball
Last but not least, Greece is one of the countries where volleyball is compelling. Again, both the local and national teams have performed admirably in high-profile competitions. The locals’ interest in participating in and watching the sport is connected with their love to bet on it. However, volleyball does not come close to the other three aforementioned sports.
How To Bet in Greece - Step By Step
If you are wondering how to create a new betting account with an operator that offers its services to Greek users, you only have to follow the steps below:
- 1 Choose a Bookie: Picking the right bookmaker is tough. You must ensure that the website covers all your needs regarding sports, markets, payments, features, and more. This is why you should spend some time evaluating all the criteria before making your decision.
- 2 Register an Account: Once you choose among the best betting sites in Greece, head to the sportsbook and create a new account. Most brands ask for similar information, including your address, phone number, and email. Note that licensed bookies demand you finish the KYC process within 30 days. Otherwise, your account will be suspended.
- 3 Top up your account: Once your new account is completed, you can go to the cashier section and add money for the first time. Choose the method you are most comfortable with, as well as the total amount.
- 4 Start betting: After you have added money to your balance, you can start placing wagers. However, we recommend verifying your account before making any bets just to be on the safe side.
Which Payments Do Greek Bettors Prefer?
Since online betting in Greece is legal, you can use any of your daily transaction methods to fund your gambling account. Some of the most popular are listed below.
⏩ Debit & Credit Cards: All licensed and international bookies in the country allow players to perform transactions with VISA and Mastercard debit or credit cards. They are very secure and have no fees.
⏩ E-wallets: Many players in the country use e-wallets, such as Paysafecard, Skrill, or Neteller, to keep their activities under the radar. Note that, in some Greek betting sites, topping up with e-wallets means you will not qualify for the bookmaker bonuses.
⏩ Instant Banking: You can use instant bank transfers for instantaneous payments. They are way faster than bank wires, especially for withdrawals, and have no fees or additional verification requirements.
⏩ Viva: This is a local e-wallet that Greeks use for everyday activities, including online gambling. Note that inside the wallet there is an option to block gambling transactions should you wish to.
Do Greek Betting Sites Allow Cryptocurrencies?
Local bookmakers that hold a license in the country do not offer crypto payments. You can only use the other transaction options in the cashier, such as cards, e-wallets, or bank wires. However, if you are a crypto gambler, you can visit international sportsbooks like 22bet or Ivibet and top up your account with cryptocurrencies, namely Bitcoin, Tether, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
Online Betting in Greece: What Does the Future Hold
The government recently regulated online gambling in the country, and even though the new regime brought stability, it is estimated that it will affect local players. Licensed Greek betting sites are now subject to a 35% GGR tax, and they were obliged to increase the taxation on their players.
They even apply several measures, such as winning limitations per bet slip and strict KYC procedures. Indeed, until 2028, the online betting landscape will remain the same. So, a large part of locals will turn to international, non-licensed bookmakers without betting tax to benefit from the better product and the more flexible terms and conditions they come with.
Gambling Regulations in Nearby Countries
⏩ Cyprus: has a fully regulated gambling market with online and on-land casinos, sports betting, and lottery. The country has over 10 licensed online operators, but locals are free to choose international bookies over the Cyprus betting sites.
⏩ The Rest of Europe: has overall legal gambling with similar requirements and some exceptions. For example, Albania has banned it legally, while Germany is struggling to blacklist unlicensed companies. Both EU and non-EU countries try to offer legal gambling to their players through licensed European Bookmakers, but the huge market has an appetite for offshore bookies where tax authorities have no power.
Online betting in Greece is completely legal. Since 2011, it has been regulated by the amendment of law 4002/2011. All legal online operators have acquired a domestic license valid for an initial period of 7 years.
The legal gambling age in Greece is 21 in online sportsbooks operating with a license issued by the HGC. On the other hand, in land-based shops run by OPAP, 18+ bettors are allowed to enter and place wagers.
One of the top international bookies that operates in Greece is 20Bet. The sportsbook offers competitive sports coverage, odds, and some good promotions. Check out the 20bet Bonus Code for more info.
Debit cards, credit cards, bank wires, and e-wallets are some of the most used transaction options for bettors in the country. In addition, international operators also allow you to perform transactions with cryptocurrencies for an added pinch of anonymity.
Any profits below €100 are tax-free. After that, profits are taxed progressively between 2.5-7.5%, with the latter imposed on winnings of €500 or more.
All the blacklisted domains are published on HGC’s website, and there you can find the latest version of the Greek betting sites blacklist.