OPAP Updates Coronavirus Impact on its Business

Greek gaming operator OPAP has provided an update on the impact of coronavirus on its business. OPAP revealed that almost all its revenue had been wiped out by the closure of its outlets due to coronavirus lockdown in Greece and Cyprus.

Greece reported its first coronavirus case at the end of February.

“We have responded quickly to protect our employees and agents, taking a number of necessary mitigation steps,” Damian Cope, Chief Executive of OPAP, said.

The company estimates that the monthly earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) will be 50–53 million euros lower if the shutdowns are extended beyond April.

OPAP said in a statement that Cope will step down at the end of May when his four-year contract ends and that it has begun looking for a successor. If none is found by that date, Chief Commercial Officer Jan Karas will take over as acting CEO.

“I am confident that OPAP will bounce back strongly once this unfortunate period comes to an end,” Cope said.

OPAP reported a 62% rise in fourth-quarter net profit to 61.8 million euros as a result of its new video lottery operation and lower taxation.