Greece’s national investment fund, Growthfund, has confirmed that two companies—OPAP Investment Limited and Brightstar Global Solutions Corporation—have officially submitted expressions of interest for the exclusive rights to oversee the country’s State Lotteries for a minimum of 10 years. This announcement follows the closure of the tender’s initial phase on July 23, launching the next stage in the highly competitive bid process.

Two Contenders Confirmed for Major Lottery Contract

The international tender, launched in late June, seeks to award a long-term concession that grants the successful bidder full responsibility for the production, management, operation, and promotion of several prominent lottery products in Greece. The offerings included in the concession are the Instant State Lottery, the State Housing Lottery, the Popular Lottery, the Special Social National Lottery, the National Lottery, and the Extraordinary or Special Lottery, the latter of which is drawn by the European Association of State Lotteries (AELLE).

OPAP and Brightstar submitted their proposals before the July 23 deadline. According to local media, the two companies will now undergo a pre-selection assessment. Those meeting the required criteria will be invited to proceed to Phase B of the tender, which includes the submission of binding offers.

Brightstar, the newly formed brand of IGT’s lottery business, enters the competition following a rebranding earlier this year. Though Brightstar’s Q1 financials showed a decline in revenue across most segments—with service revenue dropping 10% and product sales revenue down 38%—its entry into the Greek market signals a strategic ambition to secure international lottery contracts.

Meanwhile, OPAP Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Allwyn and the current operator of Greece’s State Lotteries through its Hellenic Lotteries arm, remains a strong contender. OPAP’s lottery operations have remained its core business, delivering €206.8 million in Q1 2025, up 5.5% year-on-year, with 94.2% of that revenue coming from retail sales. Total group revenue reached €595 million during the same period, with significant growth also recorded in iGaming and sports betting segments.

With OPAP already holding the current concession, Growthfund is expected to weigh the operator’s existing infrastructure and performance when evaluating future proposals. However, Brightstar’s global footprint and technological capabilities could make it a compelling challenger in the next round.

Tender Process Moves Toward Binding Offers

The upcoming phase will determine who ultimately secures the rights to Greece’s State Lotteries. Both companies will need to present binding financial and operational proposals that satisfy Growthfund’s concession conditions. The duration of the agreement is set for at least 10 years, giving the eventual winner long-term control over a significant segment of the Greek gaming industry.

This tender is part of Greece’s ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline its gaming sector while ensuring robust revenue streams through competitive licensing. With both global and domestic operators in the race, the outcome could reshape the Greek lottery landscape for the next decade.