The new deadline for completing the move has been set for May 1, 2028, replacing the original timeline that had proven unfeasible due to a series of bureaucratic delays.
The extension was introduced through an amendment tabled in the Hellenic Parliament as part of broader legislation aimed at bolstering the country’s capital markets. According to the accompanying justification, the relocation project is at a critical stage of preparation but still requires significant construction work, which cannot be completed under the original schedule. The delay has been attributed to the involvement of numerous public agencies and regulatory bodies, which contributed to procedural bottlenecks and setbacks.
This decision pertains specifically to the casino operated by Hellenic Casino of Parnitha S.A. (EKPA S.A.), and is grounded in provisions outlined in Greek legislation dating back to 2018. The company has formally submitted its relocation proposal to the Hellenic Gaming Commission, complete with a comprehensive five-year business plan, independent viability studies, a detailed investment timeline, financial projections, and an assessment of how the move would benefit the public interest.
Final approval for the casino’s transfer will require a Presidential Decree, which will be issued following recommendations from several ministries, including Finance, Development and Investments, Tourism, and Environment and Energy. This decree will define the financial terms of the relocation, the minimum investment required, expected job creation, and obligations regarding the environmental restoration of the casino’s current site within the national park.
The new site for the casino must be located within the Attica region but outside the metropolitan centers of Athens and Piraeus. It must meet strict criteria, including proximity to major road networks and integration into an area designated for multifunctional urban development.
As part of its obligations, EKPA S.A. must create at least 300 new jobs, pay a financial sum to the state that ensures the continued public ownership of nearly 49 percent of the company, and undertake the ecological restoration of the 90,000-square-meter area currently occupied by the casino in Parnitha National Park.
Additionally, the plan includes the preservation and modernization of a listed mid-20th century monument known as the Mylonas Tower, located within the Mont Parnes hotel complex. The company will also be required to contribute at least €1.5 million annually for the next five years to support the cable car system that serves the mountain resort, maintain the surrounding road infrastructure, and fund environmental protection efforts within the park.
