Allwyn and OPAP Unite: Greece Becomes Headquarters for the Second-Largest Gaming Giant Worldwide
Athens, Greece - In a landmark development for the gaming industry, OPAP S.A. and the global lottery giant Allwyn International AG have announced a historic merger. The deal, valued at an estimated €16 billion, creates the second-largest publicly listed gaming group worldwide. The strategic choice of Athens as the headquarters for the new group's international operations is a vote of confidence in the Greek market and highlights the country's pivotal role on the global business map.
This agreement seals a long-standing and successful partnership that began in 2013 when the KKCG Group, Allwyn's main shareholder, first invested in OPAP. Allwyn, which already holds a stake of over 51% in the Greek organization, will integrate its international activities—with a strong presence in the UK, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Italy—with the expertise and extensive network of OPAP in Greece and Cyprus.
A Strategy Focused on International Growth
This merger is much more than a simple business move. It is the culmination of a strategy that aims to create a powerful global force with a focus on innovation, digitalization, and expansion into new markets. The managements of both companies emphasized that the new entity, which will now be named Allwyn, will maintain its strong presence on the Athens Stock Exchange, making it one of the largest listed companies there. Furthermore, the possibility of an additional listing on international exchanges, such as London or New York, is being considered to further enhance the company's global reach.
According to the terms of the agreement, OPAP will transfer its operations to new Greek subsidiaries and will move its headquarters to Luxembourg before the merged company eventually moves to Switzerland, where Allwyn's current headquarters is located. Nevertheless, the new structure recognizes the dynamic nature and value of OPAP, ensuring that Greece will remain the center of command for its international operations.
Benefits for Shareholders and the Economy
The deal, expected to be completed in the first half of 2026, is subject to the approval of shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities, including the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC).
Allwyn is expected to hold approximately 78.5% of the new group, while OPAP's shareholders will hold the remaining 21.5%. The combined forces of OPAP and Allwyn are expected to offer significant benefits:
Broader Growth: The new company will leverage synergies, invest in cutting-edge technologies (such as artificial intelligence), and strengthen its position in a highly competitive market.
Shareholder Prospects: The agreement secures the long-term value of OPAP and offers its shareholders the opportunity to participate in the broader growth opportunities of a global group.
Strong Hellenic Presence: As stated by OPAP's CEO, Jan Karas, the deal "creates a top gaming company with a strong Greek heritage, as well as a continuous presence and listing in Greece."
OPAP's decision to rebrand as Allwyn starting in the first quarter of 2026, regardless of the completion of the merger, underscores the strategic commitment to strengthening the global brand identity.
Allwyn, as the new "tower" of OPAP, will leverage its Greek roots to accelerate growth and conquer the global market.
