April 18 - In a move to increase its market share in Europe, leading UK-based
bookmaker William Hill has sets it sights on the Greek gambling market and, as such, has applied to the Greek government for the necessary gaming license.
Currently Greek firm OPAP (listed on the Athens Stock Exchange) holds the rights
for all sports betting and lottery games in Greece under a 20-year contract with
the state, in effect forming a gambling monopoly that is so common in European
countries.
However, after a recent ruling in Italy by the European Union (EU) challenging
gambling monopolies, William Hill is hopeful that it will be able to break into the Greek market and challenge the current monopoly.
Said a William Hill spokesperson, 'We have made an application to the Greek
authorities for a gambling license based on the freedom of establishment and
free movement of services under EU law. The current monopolistic position
currently occupied by OPAP cannot be justified in terms of the Greek public
interest.'
In response, Greek daily newspaper Imerisia quoted OPAP Chief Executive Basile
Neiadas as saying the Greek government would not grant William Hill a gambling
license because of its existing monopoly agreement.
