Greek Culture Minister Pavlos Geroulanos revealed to fellow Parliamentarians that the State gambling monopoly OPAP has been in talks with senior officials from Israeli online gambling companies 888 Holdings Plc and Playtech.
Reports at capital.gr indicate that the talks have been ongoing between the parties since mid-2010 and have been revived after 888 and Ladbrokes ended negotiations amid speculation that the companies could not agree on a consideration to be paid.
The public announcement from the Minister on the talks indicates that the parties are close to an agreement probably for the supply of online gambling software and expertise to maximise OPAP’s chances in the internet gambling market.
“We won’t start from scratch to expand our online activities. We are in the process of selecting the appropriate solution. What is certain is that this market is a priority for the Group”, said an OPAP spokesperson.