Realpolitik Takes Precedence as the EU Allows Greek Gambling Monopoly Realpolitik Takes Precedence as the EU Allows Greek Gambling Monopoly
Key Takeaways
  • EU Commission removes a block on Greek legislation which will re-establish OPAP’s monopoly on online sports betting and cash game poker.
  • Virtually simultaneously, Emma Delta agrees to go ahead with the purchase of the Greek governments stake in OPAP despite a dispute over a lottery contract.
  • Online operators bidding for licences will be restricted to offering casino games and tournament poker until 2020.
  • They can challenge the new law through the European courts, but the process could take ten years.

The EU Commission has withdrawn its block on Greek government actions which give OPAP a virtual monopoly on online gambling until 2020.