OPAP Intends to Contest Imposed Fine Deemed Unjust by HGC
Greek Gambling Giant OPAP Faces Hefty Fine Over Alleged Competition Law Violations
In a recent turn of events, OPAP, a prominent Greek gambling operator, finds itself embroiled in a legal battle over allegations of breaching Greece and the European Union's competition laws. Consequently, the company was slapped with a hefty €24.5 million fine by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC), Greece's gambling regulator. However, OPAP refuses to back down, vowing to contest the decision.
The fine was meted out to the operator following complaints from smaller Greek gambling firms that accused OPAP of unfair pricing, biased transaction sanctions, and limiting equipment distribution.
OPAP: Standing Ground
Unamused by the HGC's decision, OPAP insists the fine doesn't relate to its core business but rather to bill payment services and mobile top-up services offered by its agencies. The company also points out that the decision contradicts a previous ruling by the HGC's committee and multiple civil court judgments.
OPAP further claims that HGC failed to consider data from the Bank of Greece before reaching its decision and calculates the fine in an unfair manner. In its defense, OPAP argues that the HGC calculated the fine based on the company's total turnover instead of the minor turnover in the markets where the alleged violation occurred.
Moreover, OPAP challenges the unfounded increase in the size of TORA Wallet and TORA Direct in the bill payment services and mobile top-up markets, respectively, and the way the fine was calculated.
Moving Forward
Despite the controversy, OPAP remains committed to upholding the law, fair competition, and consumer protection from gambling harm. With a resolve to overturn the decision, OPAP is readying itself to take the matter to court.
Before inking a long-term partnership agreement with OpenBet earlier this year, OPAP sought to bolster its sports betting business with cutting-edge technology, trading solutions, and the SportCast solution. This strategic move helped OpenBet establish a firm foothold in the significant Greek market while supporting OPAP's thriving business. The exact status of OPAP's legal challenge remains uncertain, so keeping an eye on official statements from both parties is advised for the latest updates.
In light of the fine, OPAP, despite its commitment to its sports betting business expansion through partnerships, now finds itself in a legal dispute contesting the fine, as it believes the decision contradicts previous rulings and unfairly calculates the fine based on its total turnover.
This legal challenge, according to OPAP, is not a reflection of its core business, but rather relates to bill payment services and mobile top-up services offered by its agencies, leading to concerns about the potential impact on its financial standing and future business partnerships.
