A New Era for Lottery and Gaming: The Allwyn-OPAP €16B Mega Merger
The Allwyn-OPAP €16B Mega Merger marks one of the most significant consolidations in gaming history, creating the second-largest listed lottery and gaming operator in the world. This strategic move not only expands market reach but also symbolizes a broader shift toward global integration, digital transformation, and brand unification across multiple regions.
Strategic Synergy and Global Positioning
At its core, this merger is about scale and strategy. By combining Allwyn’s stronghold in technology-driven lotteries and OPAP’s dominance in Greece and Cyprus, the new entity instantly gains a diversified presence across Europe and beyond. The merged company—set to retain its listing on the Athens Stock Exchange while pursuing an additional listing in London or New York—signals a bold bid for international investor confidence.
The merger builds on more than a decade of collaboration between Allwyn and OPAP, dating back to 2013 when Allwyn’s parent company KKCG first invested in OPAP. With Allwyn now holding a majority 78.5% economic interest and OPAP maintaining 21.5%, the combination represents a balance between Greek heritage and multinational ambition.
What It Means for the Industry
The Allwyn-OPAP €16B Mega Merger underscores how modern gaming companies are no longer confined by geography or legacy formats. Lottery operators are evolving into full-scale entertainment platforms powered by data, AI, and proprietary technology. For Allwyn, this merger accelerates its move into digital-first ecosystems—reducing third-party reliance and tightening control over content, analytics, and player engagement.
Meanwhile, OPAP’s integration safeguards its long-term value while opening access to broader global growth channels. By rebranding under the Allwyn name in early 2026, OPAP will align its operations and identity with a unified, forward-facing global strategy.
Financial Strength and Technological Ambition
The numbers behind the merger reveal its momentum: Allwyn’s EBITDA reached €1.9 billion in the year ending June 2025, and the combined entity projects double-digit growth through 2026. With robust earnings and strong free cash flow, the company positions itself as a reliable long-term investment in the gaming sector’s evolution.
Equally important is the strategic investment in technology. Allwyn’s expanding portfolio—from digital lottery platforms to AI-powered content delivery—illustrates its ambition to compete not just in size, but in innovation. Recent acquisitions, such as a majority stake in DFS operator PrizePicks, show how the company intends to cross traditional gaming lines and enter new verticals like fantasy sports and U.S. betting.
Leadership Continuity and Unified Vision
Leadership stability reinforces confidence in the merger’s execution. Allwyn CEO Robert Chvátal and CFO Kenneth Morton will continue to lead the combined company, while OPAP’s management will oversee Greek and Cypriot operations. This structure ensures that local market expertise remains intact while aligning under a single global strategy.
Under the chairmanship of Karel Komarek, the company’s governance framework reflects a blend of experienced leadership and independent oversight, supporting transparency and long-term growth.
A Forward Look: From Local Lotteries to Global Entertainment
The Allwyn-OPAP €16B Mega Merger represents more than a business transaction—it’s a blueprint for the future of gaming. As regulatory frameworks evolve and digital platforms reshape consumer habits, scale and adaptability will define success.
With a unified brand, diversified global presence, and strong technological backbone, Allwyn is positioning itself to redefine how lottery and gaming coexist in an increasingly digital entertainment world. For investors and industry observers, this merger is not just about combining balance sheets—it’s about setting the pace for the next chapter of global gaming growth.
