OPAP Group (OPAP), the leading Greek betting and lottery operator, has concluded its technology strategy review and has selected the key organisations with whom OPAP will partner in the delivery of its 2020 Vision. The new partnerships are consistent with the company’s Strategic Priorities of “building a world class portfolio of products and services” and “leveraging the latest digital and technology capabilities”.
OPAP has chosen Novomatic Lottery Solutions (NLS), a member of the Novomatic Group, as its new technology partner in the field of numerical lotteries, covering Kino, Tzoker, Lotto and Proto. OPAP will migrate to the NLS platform during 2018 and this process will also involve the replacement of all of the existing shop tills. NLS will also provide its Player Account Management System (PAM) to OPAP and this will be the foundation of customer relationship management, initially for digital channels.
Agreement has also been reached with Playtech BGT Sports for the supply of software licenses and services for self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) and the subsequent introduction of a full sports betting solution for OPAP agencies network. SSBTs initial roll-out will commence in OPAP stores during H1 2017, followed by the introduction of an over the counter sports betting solution in 2018.
The company’s digital offering will also undergo a significant improvement and, given the fast-moving and competitive nature of this market, OPAP has selected Betgenius to become its primary provider of an integrated digital sportsbook service. Under the terms of the agreement OPAP will also receive fully-automated prices for around 130,000 events a year for the next two years, including all major football, basketball and tennis fixtures.
OPAP is planning to proceed with an investment of more than 100 million Euros over the next few years, for the implementation of its 2020 Vision, which includes the transformation of the technology role within the organization. Specifically, this will involve migrating to these new platforms, the investment in new SSBTs and the replacement of existing shop hardware. This will also include the necessary upgrade in technology infrastructure for both its retail and digital channels and provide modern, best-in-class solutions for all existing activities, as well as the foundation for future strategies.
In parallel, OPAP will be creating more than 100 new job positions in Greece in 2017 that will support the implementation of its plans, while generating additional indirect job opportunities in the country through its operations.
Commenting on these strategic partnerships OPAP Chief Executive Officer, Damian Cope, stated: “Leveraging the latest digital and technology capabilities is one of OPAP’s stated Strategic Priorities within our 2020 Vision. After a long and careful review we have now identified how we intend to do this and with whom. Our selection of these key partners demonstrates our clear focus on working with the industry’s leading providers of modern gaming technology, whilst also allowing OPAP an element of control and flexibility over the fast-moving digital world. Our Board of Directors has also approved a significant investment in people, systems, solutions and infrastructure.
I am pleased to be announcing these agreements with world leading technology providers, each with industry expertise that will help transform the role of technology within our organization and this in turn will enable us to improve existing products, introduce new ones and enhance our customers’ experience both online and across our network”.
OPAP has previously announced its partnership with Inspired Entertainment for the provision of Virtual Sportsbetting and can now confirm that this product is expected to start roll-out during H1 2017, initially offering the successful Virtual Football to customers, with additional sports expected during 2018.