Allwyn lists on Athens Stock Exchange following OPAP merger closure

(AsiaGameHub) –   Allwyn has concluded its integration with the Greek gaming company OPAP, cementing its status as one of the premier global publicly traded gambling entities in the process.

The merger terms were originally established in October. **KKCG**, the Czech investment firm behind Allwyn, has maintained a significant stake in OPAP since 2013.

Through this union, Allwyn will list on the Athens Stock Exchange, positioning itself as a dominant force in the Greek market. OPAP manages the Greek national lottery and holds a prominent role in the country’s betting and gaming sectors.

This move continues Allwyn’s strategic shift, which began with its transition from SAZKA Group in 2022. The firm is evolving into a lottery-focused entertainment provider with interests across various segments.

Allwyn anticipates that the OPAP integration will provide market leadership, broader geographic and product reach, enhanced technological and digital assets, a more robust financial foundation, and a heightened commitment to social responsibility and charitable contributions.

Robert Chvatal, CEO of Allwyn, remarked: “This represents a pivotal strategic achievement for Allwyn. We embark on our path as a listed global industry leader with a reinforced platform, greater financial agility, and an elite team.

“We are confident that our top-tier market positions, extensive diversification, and solid cash flow will enable us to achieve sustainable growth and deliver value as we pursue innovation and new opportunities across our markets.

“I want to express gratitude to our shareholders, staff, and regulators for their assistance in uniting these two premier organizations to form the world’s second-largest listed lottery and gaming firm.”

Allwyn’s path to the Athens exchange

Lotteries remain the foundation of Allwyn’s business, with primary assets including the UK National Lottery, the Czech Lottery, the Greek lottery (via OPAP), and the Illinois State Lottery, among others.

The company’s presence in sports wagering has grown through KKCG’s involvement with OPAP. It further broadened its sports entertainment footprint last year by acquiring a majority stake in PrizePicks, a US-based daily fantasy sports (DFS) provider that has since expanded into prediction markets.

Not every initiative has succeeded. A plan to acquire a controlling interest in Novibet, a prominent Greek betting firm, was abandoned earlier this year following input from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HGC).

Despite this, Allwyn remains on solid footing—and with the OPAP merger finalized, the company is unlikely to be impacted by the cancelled Novibet deal.

The merged Allwyn-OPAP entity boasts an estimated market capitalization exceeding €11bn (£9.5bn), placing it in the same tier as Entain (owner of Ladbrokes Coral and bwin) and Flutter Entertainment.

KKCG will retain 78% of the voting rights in the unified company. Allwyn also intends to issue a dividend of €0.80 (£0.69) per share to its investors.

Karel Komarek, Founder and Chairman of both KKCG and Allwyn, stated: “Today marks the start of a new era for Allwyn, building on the momentum that already defines our business.

“Over the last 13 years, we have demonstrated the lasting value we generate for stakeholders, society, and players. This success is rooted in collaboration, trust, and a dedication to innovation.

“Allwyn possesses immense potential in the changing consumer entertainment landscape, and we have the vision, scale, and drive to shape the industry’s future.”