The Hellenic Gaming Commission is advancing plans to bring a new gambling venue to the island
Greek regulators are preparing to open the tender process for a new casino license on the island of Crete, marking a major step toward expanding the country’s gaming and tourism industry. According to reports from Greek media, the Hellenic Gaming Commission will oversee the bidding for the project, which will be located in Gournes, Heraklion.
The development is separate from a broader redevelopment of the former US military base in the area, which is being handled by Dimand. Officials expect the casino plan to attract interest from international operators looking to gain a foothold in Greece’s fast-growing gaming market. The tender process is expected to take about six months, with hopes that the property could be ready for visitors by the next tourist season.
The proposed site offers a prime location along the Aegean Sea, with 320 meters of beachfront frontage and access to a leisure marina. Covering more than 345,000 square meters, the area is designed as a mixed-use destination that will combine a casino with hotels, retail spaces, and a theme park. The vision is to create a hub for entertainment and leisure that can serve not only Crete but also the wider eastern Mediterranean region.
Gournes is strategically located, about 13 kilometers from Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis Airport and 16 kilometers from the city itself. It is also within 20 kilometers of Crete’s new Kastelli Airport, which is currently under construction and expected to boost connectivity for international travelers.
With Greece already home to major casino projects such as the integrated resort at Ellinikon in Athens, the Crete development is seen as another move to strengthen the country’s appeal as a destination for both gaming and broader tourism. The upcoming tender will determine which operators get the opportunity to shape this high-profile addition to Crete’s hospitality landscape.
