At the close of 2024, a major deal was announced as Allwyn, a major shareholder of OPAP, acquired Rodolfo Odoni's Novibet. The gaming group announced the acquisition of 51% of Novibet for €217 million, and the transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year.

Reports indicate that Allwyn has been negotiating with Novibet for at least six months.

WHAT THE DEAL BRINGS

Allwyn is expected to invest heavily in Novibet's overseas expansion, which requires capital and expertise. The group has both, and it is estimated that Novibet's high-flying international markets will begin after the deal is completed.

Novibet is expected to maintain its independence as a company, while at the same time Allwyn's goal of expanding abroad is being realized. The strategic plan of the group involves expanding into 15 countries, with a particular focus on Latin America, a market with significant growth potential and a thriving gaming industry.

WHO IS ALLWYN?

Allwyn operates lotteries and is a global gaming provider. It runs, among others, the UK national lottery and is the exclusive operator of lotteries and online gaming in Austria. In Italy, it operates the lottery numbers lottery, and in the US, it is contracted to operate the Illinois lottery. It is also active in the Greek market as well as in the Cypriot market.

THE CENTRIC MOVEMENT

After the deal was revamped, Centric, which is also owned by Rodolfo Odoni, recorded a significant rise. Stock market experts believe that after the sale of Novibet, the time may have come for Centric to grow in a big way, as the entrepreneur, with the increased liquidity from the transaction, will inject capital into the listed company.