In Greece, the Finance Ministry has reportedly tabled legislation that would reduce the number of video lottery terminals giant operator OPAP is to be permitted to run in the nation to 25,000.
According to a report from the Reuters news service published by local newspaper I Kathimerini, current legislation gives OPAP authorization to run some 35,000 machines but the measure tabled on Friday is aimed at reducing Greek citizens’ exposure to gambling while making it easier for authorities to supervise the games.
Established in 1958 as a state-owned gambling monopoly, OPAP was transformed into a joint stock company in 1999 before 2013 saw a cash-strapped Athens sell off its remaining 33% stake in the firm to Greek-Czech group Emma Delta Hellenic Holding Limited for approximately $656 million.
Europe’s fourth-largest lottery and sportsbetting operator thanks to its network of some 5,700 outlets throughout Greece and Cyprus, OPAP recently revealed that it intends to finish the roll-out of some 16,500 video lottery terminals by May of 2018. It then wants to sub-contract the remaining 18,500 units to other firms including the likes of Scientific Games Corporation, International Game Technology, Inspired Gaming Group Limited and Synot Group.