Greece Greenlights $2.5B Casino Resort Expansion in Athens
Greece casino resort development enters a transformative phase as the country advances two major Athens-area projects representing more than €2.1 billion ($2.5 billion) in combined investment. Both developments are scheduled to open by summer 2029. The larger venture, Elliniko, carries a price tag of €1.8 billion ($2.07 billion) and will be developed by Hard Rock with GEK TERNA on the former airport site. As a matter of fact, executives project the development could raise tourist arrivals to Attica by around 10%. Meanwhile, Project Voria will relocate the Regency Casino Mont Parnes to Maroussi under a €380 million ($437 million) mixed-use plan.
Greece Approves Two Major Casino Resort Developments in Athens
The Greek Council of State cleared Project Voria in Maroussi after rejecting legal challenges and upholding Presidential Decree 36/2023. North Star Entertainment received environmental approval from the Greek Environment and Energy Ministry to proceed with construction. The Hard Rock Integrated Resort Complex at Elliniko secured its development rights through a concession partnership between Hard Rock International (51%) and GEK TERNA Group (49%).
The Hard Rock complex centers on a 197-meter tower that will house 1,100 rooms. A casino floor spanning 15,000 sq m will feature 200 tables and 2,000 gaming machines. Construction began in February 2025, with approximately 20% of the project completed.
Project Voria will relocate the historic Regency Casino Mont Parnes from Mount Parnitha to an 8,500-square-meter facility in the Delavari area. The development occupies a 50-stremma (12.4-acre) site, with more than half designated as public green space transferred to the Municipality of Maroussi. The Lampsa Group and Intralot interests back the venture.
Both developments position hospitality as the primary focus. Hard Rock executives describe their resort essentially as a hospitality, entertainment, and conference destination, with gaming forming only one component. The projects include five-star hotels, conference facilities, and wellness amenities.
What Features Will These Casino Resorts Bring to Athens?
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens occupies the former Ellinikon International Airport site along the Athens Riviera. The tower reaches 195 meters and contains 1,100 beds across 900 King & Queen rooms and 200 suites. Each room provides views of the sea or city skyline extending to the Parthenon. The gaming floor spans nearly 15,000 square meters with 200 tables and 2,000 gaming machines, positioned as the largest table game and slot offering in Europe.
A convention center covers more than 23,000 square meters, featuring a grand exhibition hall and multipurpose event facilities. Hard Rock Live accommodates 3,000 seated guests, with a stage extending outdoors for festivals that can host an additional 7,500 attendees. The resort includes 15 restaurants, a Rock Spa and Pool Complex, and a retail promenade. Open spaces, gardens, and water features span nearly 138,000 square meters, with total green space exceeding 200,000 square meters.
Project Voria in Maroussi features a 150-room five-star hotel with a maximum height of 21 meters. The gaming area occupies 8,500 square meters within the 25,000-square-meter development. Additional amenities include a 1,400-seat amphitheater, spa facilities, swimming pools, and 836 parking spaces. Green spaces total 17,232 square meters.
