Greece Plans Two Athens Casino Resorts Worth €2.18 Billion

Athens will gain two major casino resorts by summer 2029, bringing more than €2.1 billion in hospitality, conference and entertainment investment to the Greek capital. Gaming will occupy only part of each complex.

Good to Know

• Hard Rock and GEK TERNA are developing the larger Elliniko resort.
• Project Voria will relocate Regency Casino Mont Parnes to Maroussi.
• Both sites sit beside roads that already carry heavy traffic.

Athens Casino Resorts Put Tourism Before Gaming

The two developments will end a long period without a large casino inside metropolitan Athens. However, developers are presenting both as tourism projects rather than standalone gambling venues.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens will include a 197-meter tower, hotel accommodation, a casino of almost 15,000 square meters, restaurants, convention facilities and a major live entertainment venue. Construction at the former Elliniko Airport site has reached about 20%. Recent estimates place total investment at €1.8 billion, although official Ellinikon material lists €1.5 billion.

Hard Rock Athens IRC expects the resort to increase tourist arrivals across Attica by about 10%. The company argues that conferences, concerts, dining and accommodation will generate most customer activity, with the casino serving as one part of a much wider offer.

Project Voria carries an estimated €380 million budget. The Maroussi complex will combine an 8,000-square-meter casino with a five-star hotel, wellness facilities, restaurants, conference space and parking. More than half of the site will become public green space under municipal control.

The project will also transfer the Regency Casino Mont Parnes licence from Mount Parnitha. Separate project information currently lists a 2028 opening, while wider Athens development estimates point to both resorts operating by summer 2029.

Road Capacity Remains a Key Concern

The Elliniko complex will rely on Poseidonos Avenue, buses and the tram until any future Metro Line 2 extension reaches the area. Transport experts have warned that thousands of daily visitors and employees could add pressure before new rail capacity arrives.

Project Voria faces similar questions around Kifissias Avenue. Developers plan a new road junction and argue that most casino visits will occur after evening traffic peaks.

Former Hellenic Gaming Commission President Dimitris Ntzanatos said land-based casinos represent only a small share of Greek gambling activity. Greece recorded €16.7 billion in gambling stakes during 2025, while nine licensed casinos accounted for €1.28 billion. Ntzanatos said illegal online gambling presents the greater consumer risk, with an estimated 900,000 people using unlicensed networks.

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