CEO Jan Karas highlighted the company's dividend policy and stressed that the Board of Directors had decided to distribute an interim dividend of €0.6 per share with a cutoff date of November 4 when presenting OPAP's strong results to analysts. In response to a question put to him, Mr Karas stressed that "we are committed to good, stable shareholder remuneration". 

THE AGREEMENT IN CYPRUS

According to ΒnB Daily, OPAP CEO made specific reference to the concession agreement between Cyprus and OPAP Cyprus, under which the company will hold the exclusive right to organise gaming determinations for a period of 15 years. As he noted, 'this contract further extends OPAP's significant presence and long-standing footprint in the Cypriot market.'.

SIZE

During the presentation, management placed emphasis on net revenues before contributions (GGR), which amounted to €532.8 million in Q2 (+7% p.a.), EBITDA of €183.4 million (+3% p.a.) and net profit of €118.2 million (+11.1% p.a.).

GROWTH IN RETAIL

Mr. Karas noted that during the second quarter, OPAP implemented a number of strategic initiatives for its retail network, with a focus on offering an enhanced and digital entertainment experience. In particular:

•  During Euro 2024, the Pame Stoixima gaming experience was significantly improved, thanks to the revamped bet builder and cash out functions
• OPAP stores organised events across the country.
• Eurojackpot continued its upward trend, playing a key role in the overall transformation of the lottery games portfolio. At the same time, the performance of the revamped Lotto and Joker was also enhanced, with the company's management expressing optimism for the future performance of lottery games as a whole.
• OPAP's portfolio of games was enriched with new Keno options (e.g., Keno Para 1) and a new NBA virtual product, while local jackpots were introduced in PLAY stores and the renewal of the fleet of video lottery terminals (VLTs) continued strongly.

ONLINE ACTIVITIES ON THE RISE

OPAP's online activities continued to record improved performance, with online betting significantly boosted by Euro 2024. "The recently upgraded Pamestoixima. gr platform fully met customer requirements and expectations thanks to its new, innovative elements and functions. This led to an increase in the base of active customers, with the company's management looking forward to building on this success during the new sports season, which started a few days ago," said Mr. Karas.