OPAP re-evaluating egaming supplier options
Playtech and 888 thought to be in the frame to replace GTECH after negotiations fail to conclude
OPAP is understood to be re-evaluating the egaming supplier contract it had previously agreed with GTECH, with a number of the software provider’s competitors waiting in the wings.
Reports in the Greek press have suggested the state monopoly has drawn up a shortlist including Playtech, 888, Openbet and GTECH, with a final decision imminent.
At the time of writing OPAP had yet to issue a statement confirming the shortlist, but eGaming Review understands Openbet are not involved in the selection process.
OPAP originally selected GTECH as its egaming supplier in July 2012, fending off interest from other shortlisted candidates Playtech and Intralot. Discussions then commenced over the formation of a joint venture agreement, however these did not conclude.
This was followed in November 2013 when the monopoly’s new chief executive Kamil Ziegler said some supplier contracts would be renegotiated as part of cost cutting measures designed to restructure the business moving forward.
Ziegler was installed as part of a boardroom overhaul after equity fund Emma Delta completed its privatisation of the company in August last year, drawing to a close a process that first began in September 2012.
Investors in Emma Delta include Czech asset manager Jiri Smejc, Greek business magnate George Melisanidis and GTECH parent company Lottomatica, which invested 30m in the business in May 2013.
GTECH refused to comment when contacted regarding this article.