New Athens Casinos: How Major Resorts Are Transforming the Greek Riviera

Athens is preparing for a significant change in its tourism landscape. Large casino and hotel developments are attracting investment to the Greek capital, particularly along its southern coastline. The most ambitious project forms part of the redevelopment of the former Ellinikon airport. Together with another major resort planned in northern Athens, these investments could bring more international visitors, expand year-round tourism and reshape how people experience the city.

Hard Rock Athens: A Major Investment on the Greek Riviera

The €1.5 billion Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens is being developed at Ellinikon by Hard Rock International and Greek construction group GEK TERNA. The resort is expected to open by 2029, according to the operator’s current timetable. As of October 2026, the complex remains under development rather than accepting hotel guests or casino visitors.

Plans include a five-star hotel with approximately 1,100 rooms and suites, a casino covering nearly 15,000 square metres, and extensive conference facilities. The gaming area is designed to accommodate around 200 tables and 2,000 gaming machines. Restaurants, shops and leisure facilities will make the resort accessible to visitors interested in more than gambling.

Visitors who enjoy traditional casino games already have different entertainment options. For instance, baccarat online provides a digital alternative to visiting a physical gaming venue. The new Athens resort, however, is intended to combine casino entertainment with accommodation, dining, concerts and business events in one location.

More Than a Casino: Hotels, Concerts and Conferences

One of the resort’s main attractions will be its live entertainment facilities. Hard Rock Live is planned as a 3,000-seat indoor venue, with additional outdoor capacity for larger events. This could attract concertgoers who might otherwise visit Athens only for its historical landmarks or beaches.

The development also includes a conference and exhibition centre exceeding 23,000 square metres. Such facilities are important for business tourism because international meetings and exhibitions can generate hotel bookings outside the traditional summer holiday season.

The developers estimate that the completed resort will support approximately 3,000 permanent jobs. These positions are expected to cover hospitality, gaming, food services and entertainment. Employment projections remain forecasts until the complex becomes operational.

How Casino Resorts Are Changing Athens Tourism

The Hard Rock development belongs to the wider Ellinikon regeneration scheme, which is transforming the former airport site into a residential, commercial and recreational district. The project includes public green spaces, sports facilities, shopping areas and improved connections to the waterfront.

Progress is already visible in 2026. The Ellinikon Sports Park opened in August, providing approximately 287,000 square metres of sports and recreational space. Meanwhile, construction continues on the Riviera Tower, retail destinations and infrastructure. These facilities are being delivered in stages rather than opening simultaneously.

The changes could encourage longer stays along the Athens Riviera, connecting beach holidays with concerts, restaurants and urban sightseeing. However, visitors should check individual opening dates before planning a trip, since several of the most prominent attractions remain unfinished.

Another Casino Project and the Challenges Ahead

Athens is also preparing for Project Voria in Marousi, north of the city centre. This development will relocate the existing Mont Parnes casino from Mount Parnitha into a new hotel and entertainment complex. Its estimated investment exceeds €380 million, with completion currently expected in 2028.

Unlike Ellinikon, Marousi is not a coastal destination. Nevertheless, the project demonstrates how casino investment is spreading across greater Athens. Its location near the Olympic complex and major shopping centres could attract business travellers and visitors from other parts of Attica.

These investments also raise questions about traffic, environmental protection and pressure on surrounding neighbourhoods. Their long-term value will depend on effective transport links, responsible development and public access to recreational spaces. For Athens, the opportunity extends beyond casino tourism: it is a chance to strengthen its appeal as a year-round Mediterranean destination.