Greece’s High Court ruled on Tuesday that former state owned operator OPAP’s monopoly of betting markets was legal. The courts rejected a long standing challenge put forward by international operators disputing the OPAP’s handle on betting and lottery operations in Greece.
OPAP monopoly of Greek lottery and sports betting, had been challenged by William Hill, StanleyBet and Sportingbet. The operators claimed that the OPAP monopoly violated European freedom of services laws and policies set by the European Union. The operators had asked for Greek federal courts to review its policy with regards to the Greek sports betting market.
On Tuesday Greek federal courts responded in favour of OPAP, stating that Greece’s 2011 gambling reform had been in-line with EU rules and regulations regarding gambling. The Greek government could therefore approve the awarding of lottery and sports betting rights to the OPAP.
Greek Courts further backed the OPAP stating that a monopoly framework would help fight against illegal sports betting, sports corruption and criminal activities. The High Court further stated that OPAP and the Greek government were not breaching EU laws since the monopoly was originally set up to protect Greek consumers.
OPAP, with a market value of 3.4 billion euros, has about 5,000 outlets in Greece and Cyprus. The operator recently one a further extension to provide sports betting services till 2020.
The challenging operators have yet to make a statement on the Greek High Court ruling.