Gov’t cuts OPAP video lottery machine plans

Greece proposed on Friday that betting company OPAP should operate a total of 25,000 video lottery machines, down from the 35,000 machines the country’s current legislation stipulates.

The Finance Ministry said on Friday it had tabled a bill which reduces the number of machines, aiming at a smaller exposure to gambling and a more effective supervision by the authorities.

OPAP, Europe’s fourth-biggest betting firm, has said it will conclude the rollout of 16,500 video lottery terminals (VLTs) by May next year.

The company plans to subcontract another 18,000 machines.

OPAP, which was fully privatized in 2013, offers sports betting and lotteries through a network of about 5,750 outlets in Greece and Cyprus via a revenue-sharing scheme with agents.

[Reuters]