Industry News
OPAP strengthens its position in online sports-betting in Greece through the acquisition of Stoiximan Group’s Greek and Cypriot business
OPAP S.A., (“OPAP”), SAZKA Group’s Greek and Cypriot subsidiary, has today announced (i) the receipt of regulatory approvals for its previously announced acquisition of 51% of Stoiximan Group’s Greek and Cypriot business (“SMGC”) and (ii) the acquisition (subject to regulatory approvals) of a further stake in SMGC as a result of which OPAP will have a total shareholding of 85% in and sole control of SMGC.
OPAP’s announcement and presentation can be found here.
Robert Chvatal, SAZKA Group CEO, commented: “Today’s announcement marks an important step forward for SAZKA Group and for OPAP, as OPAP gains a leading market position in yet another gaming vertical. OPAP, with SAZKA Group’s support, has achieved a milestone that will significantly strengthen its position in the online sports-betting market. In recent weeks, we have been working in anything but a standard business environment. And yet under these extraordinary circumstances our joint teams brought this transaction to fruition. Here my thanks must go specifically to the management team led by Mr. George Daskalakis”.
In 2019, Stoiximan Group (under the parent company TCB) generated revenues (GGR) of €245 million and EBITDA of €38 million. SMGC generated revenues (GGR) of €197 million, corresponding to 80% of Stoiximan Group’s total revenues, and EBITDA of 44 million.
OPAP:
OPAP is the leading gaming company in Greece. The company, founded in 1958 as the country’s national lottery operator and listed on the Athens Exchange in 2001, is the exclusive licensed operator of numerical lotteries (7 games), sports betting (4 games), Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) and horse racing in Greece. It also operates exclusively, as a controlling shareholder (83.5%) through a joint venture, the passive lotteries and instant (scratch) games in Greece. OPAP is one of the largest charitable donors in Greece, operating under World Lottery Association (WLA) and responsible gaming standards.
About SAZKA Group:
SAZKA Group is one of the largest pan-European lottery operators. Its businesses run lotteries in all the major continental European countries where lotteries are privately operated, including the Czech Republic, Greece, Austria, Italy, and Cyprus. Its businesses focus on the lottery segment, including numerical lotteries (draw-based games) and instant lotteries (scratch cards), while also providing complementary products in sports-betting and digital-only games. They sell their products both through extensive retail networks and digital platforms. All its lottery operators are members of the World Lottery Association and the European Lottery Association and operate in accordance with their codes of practice.
Industry News
BC.GAME Unveils Comprehensive Brand Upgrade, Embracing a New Era with Fresh Visuals and Enhanced User Experience
BC.GAME, a global leader in the iGaming industry, has announced a significant evolution in its brand journey with the launch of a comprehensive upgrade. This initiative marks a transformative shift, featuring a revitalised visual identity, an enhanced user interface and innovative product offerings, all designed to elevate its brand presence on the global stage.
A Visual Evolution: Embodying Core Mission and Values
BC.GAME’s brand transformation extends beyond a mere logo update; it represents a significant enhancement of the brand narrative. The newly designed logo encapsulates the brand’s mission and values, imbuing the story with renewed vigor and direction. With a sophisticated design, this evolution propels BC.GAME into its next chapter with a fresh and dynamic expression.
The visual style, characterised by vibrant green gradients, conveys BC.GAME’s vitality and innovative spirit. The meticulously crafted interface employs clean and modern aesthetics to elevate the user experience. This distinctive visual direction underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.
Refined Interaction: Revamped Interface
The brand upgrade includes a comprehensive redesign of the user interface, adopting a modular layout to ensure seamless and efficient information delivery. This innovative design simplifies navigation, enhancing user decision-making and overall experience. BC.GAME has restructured pages into a more intuitive multi-level format based on feedback, further refining platform usability.
Interactive features have been introduced to enrich the gaming experience, making the platform more engaging and user-friendly. This thoughtful redesign reflects BC.GAME’s dedication to providing an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Innovative Developments: Product Enhancements
At the core of this brand upgrade is BC.GAME’s dedication to continuous innovation. The introduction of Coco Rush, a new mini-app game, enriches the ecosystem and demonstrates the brand’s commitment to seamless Web3 access. Continuous innovation is a core commitment, ensuring users enjoy limitless opportunities within the ecosystem. After a decade of service, BC.GAME’s commitment to enhancing user experience remains steadfast. The bar is consistently raised, seeking new avenues to provide top-tier services and experiences.
BC.GAME will continue to explore emerging technologies and trends to drive platform development. The company is dedicated to enhancing user experience, proactively adapting to industry changes and offering innovative solutions to meet evolving market demands. Each step forward reflects BC.GAME’s commitment to excellence and forward-thinking vision for the industry’s future.
The post BC.GAME Unveils Comprehensive Brand Upgrade, Embracing a New Era with Fresh Visuals and Enhanced User Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Affiliates welcome dynamic pairing of iGB Affiliate Awards with iGB L!VE in London
Alongside the migration of iGB L!VE to London in July 2025, Clarion Gaming has confirmed that the world acclaimed iGB Affiliate Awards will be held alongside the London expo.
The decision to run the Awards as part of the iGB L!VE experience was made in collaboration with key igaming and affiliate stakeholders, with the announcement warmly welcomed by the affiliate community.
Richard Moffat, Chief Executive of OLBG, one of the UK’s leading sports betting affiliates, reflected the industry view stating: “I’m delighted to hear that the iGB Affiliate Awards will be staying in London and running alongside iGB L!VE. As home to the largest regulated online gambling market in the world, it makes a lot of sense for the UK to hold a big annual industry event.
“By combining the growing iGB L!VE with the longstanding and respected iGB Affiliate Awards, we have a fantastic show to look forward to. OLBG will be supporting iGB L!VE with our biggest ever presence at a conference and we can’t wait to see our team and our partners enjoying London in the summer.”
Naomi Barton, iGB Events’ Global Portfolio Director, also shared her vision: “The iGB Affiliate Awards which are known for their integrity and merit-based recognition have become a cornerstone event for igaming affiliates. Furthermore, the UK igaming market is worth a phenomenal £5.1 bn (2024) and leads the way in marketing and tech innovation globally.
“Keeping this spirit alive, we’re committed to further enhancing the Awards’ importance by pairing it with iGB L!VE, the world’s fastest-growing Tier 1 online gaming exhibition, an event with an outstanding reputation for delivering real value and business returns for our customers.
“We can’t wait to celebrate with the industry in London, where the heart of the igaming affiliate community beats strongest. My advice is to mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable event!”
Further information about how to enter the iGB Affiliate Awards will be available shortly.
The post Affiliates welcome dynamic pairing of iGB Affiliate Awards with iGB L!VE in London appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Novomatic Netherlands Appoints Alexander Legat as CEO
Novomatic Netherlands has appointed Alexander Legat as its CEO.
Legat takes over from Zane Mersich, who has moved onto the company’s Supervisory Board.
His appointment has bolstered Novomatic Netherlands’ management team with two decades of legal and operational experience in the gaming industry.
Legat will also bring knowledge gained at Novomatic’s Austrian subsidiaries into his new role.
“I am grateful for the new operational role in the dynamic Dutch market and look forward to working with the local team and the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said.
The Novomatic Netherlands’ management board said in a statement: “With Dr. Alexander Legat, Novomatic Netherlands is gaining a first-rate legal expert who not only knows the group extremely well but has also already worked closely with the national subsidiaries.
“His appointment is an important step in our work to successfully meet the future challenges in the Dutch market and further expand our position.”
The post Novomatic Netherlands Appoints Alexander Legat as CEO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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