OPAP recorded strong performance during the second quarter of 2024, as noted by the company’s management, during the presentation of the financial results to analysts. The company’s performance benefited from the dynamic growth of the online channel and the significant contribution of the retail network, led by the sports betting activity, which was strengthened during Euro 2024.

In particular, during the second quarter of 2024, the net income before contributions (GGR) amounted to €532.8 million (+7% annually)earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to €183.4 million (+3% annually), while net profits reached €118.2 million (+11.1% annually).

In the first half of the year, GGR was €1,082.5 million (+5.6% annually), while EBITDA amounted to €373.3 million and net profit to €231.6 million (+3 .2% per year).

In this context and given the strong financial position of the company, the Board of Directors of OPAP decided the distribution of an interim dividend of €0.60 per sharewith a cut-off date of November 4, 2024. In fact, during the presentation, OPAP CEO Jan Karas emphasized OPAP’s firm commitment to rewarding its shareholders.

Also, Mr. Karas made a special mention in the concession agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and OPAP Cyprusunder which, the company will hold the exclusive right to organize games of chance for a period of 15 years. As he noted, this contract further expands OPAP’s significant presence and long-term footprint in the Cypriot market.

Significant progress in retail activities

During the second quarter, OPAP successfully implemented a series of strategic initiatives for the retail networkwith a focus on offering an upgraded and digital entertainment experience.

During Euro 2024, the Pame Bet gaming experience was significantly improved, thanks to the renewed bet builder and cash out functions, which led to greater interaction with customers. At the same time, OPAP stores emerged as the absolute destinations for the big sporting event, with the organization of thousands of events for the fans, all over the country.

Eurojackpot also continued its upward trajectory, playing a key role in the overall transformation of the lottery game portfolio. At the same time, the performances of the renewed LOTTO and JOKER were also strengthened, with the company’s management expressing its optimism for the future performance of lottery games as a whole.

Additional, OPAP’s portfolio of games was further enrichedwith new CINEMA options (e.g. CINEMA Para 1) and a new virtual NBA product, while local jackpots were introduced in PLAY stores and the renewal of the fleet of gaming machines (VLTs) continued dynamically.

Dynamic growth in the online channel

OPAP’s online operations continued to record strong performance in the second quarter of 2024, with online betting boosting significantly due to Euro 2024.

The recently upgraded platform of Pamestoixima.gr fully met the demands and expectations of customers, thanks to its new, innovative elements and functions. This has led to an increase in the active customer base, with the company’s management looking to capitalize on this success during the new sports season, which started a few days ago.

At the same time, it was important to boost the performance of Opaponline.gr, the company’s online games platform, as well as the online casino games. In fact, during the second quarter of 2024, OPAP proceeded to upgrade the free online games it offers, which enhanced the interaction with customers and upgraded their online entertainment experience. At the same time, the portfolio of online casino games was further enriched, with games from popular providers and exclusive branded games for OPAP.