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Business Combination of Allwyn and OPAP Creating the 2nd Largest Listed Lottery and Gaming Operator Globally

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Allwyn International AG (Allwyn) and OPAP S.A. (OPAP) announced that their respective Boards of Directors have approved the business combination of Allwyn and OPAP through an all-share transaction that values the resulting entity at an equity value of €16 billion. This will be facilitated by their entry into a transaction agreement (the Transaction Implementation Agreement). The Combined Company will be renamed Allwyn.

The Transaction marks a major milestone in the evolution of both companies. It will bring together two leading gaming operators, creating the second largest listed gaming entertainment company globally, with multiple diverse, fast-growing and market-leading positions across Europe, US and other international markets. The Transaction builds on the existing successful partnership between OPAP and Allwyn which goes back to 2013, when KKCG, the controlling shareholder of Allwyn, first invested in OPAP. Allwyn currently owns 51.78% of OPAP.

Allwyn brings a strong track record of both organic and inorganic growth, including through strategic and bolt-on acquisitions. The Transaction safeguards the long-term value of OPAP in a rapidly evolving gaming environment. It also allows OPAP’s public shareholders to benefit from advantages of the Combined Company, including growth, scale, diversification, access to leading technology and digitalisation and increased global brand recognition, while continuing to benefit from substantial and resilient cash returns. For Allwyn, the Transaction represents the natural next milestone in its journey with a public market listing unlocking access to equity capital markets for future growth and elevating the profile of its global platform. It is a significant step in Allwyn’s mission to become the leading global gaming entertainment company.

Following the completion of the Transaction, the Combined Company will remain listed on the Main Market of the Athens Stock Exchange, where it is expected to be one of the largest companies by market capitalisation. Allwyn intends to pursue an additional listing on another leading international exchange such as London or in New York following closing.

Independently of the Transaction, OPAP has made a strategic decision to change its consumer brand from OPAP to Allwyn as of Q1 2026. This initiative reflects OPAP’s commitment to maintaining strong engagement with its customers through innovative and meaningful interactions, as well as enhancing its proposition to meet the evolving expectations of younger generations.

Transaction Highlights

The business combination of Allwyn and OPAP creates a leading global lottery-led entertainment and gaming operator, and presents an opportunity for OPAP shareholders to participate in a materially improved and financially attractive investment proposition, underpinned by:

• Scale: Allwyn’s pro forma EBITDA was €1.9 billion for the 12 months to 30th June 2025 and the Combined Company will be the second largest listed lottery and gaming operator globally, as well as the largest listed lottery company, and well-positioned to capitalise on key industry trends.

• Growth: Enhanced growth profile with double-digit projected EBITDA CAGR from 2024 to 2026, substantially higher than OPAP on a standalone basis.

• Digitalisation: Ownership of key technologies, best-in-class proprietary content and AI capabilities reducing dependency on third parties and accelerating innovation and time-to-market.

• Diversification: Multiple market leadership positions globally, across products, creating diversification and significant strategic optionality.

• Earnings and cash flow: Double-digit accretive to OPAP adjusted earnings per share and adjusted free cash flow per share in the first full year post completion, normalised for the temporary benefit of the GGR contribution prepayment.

• Shareholder income: Capital allocation framework delivering a combination of growth and material, resilient, shareholder distributions.

Karel Komarek, Founder and Chair of Allwyn, and of KKCG Group AG (KKCG), the investment company behind Allwyn, said: “Today’s announcement redefines the sector, signalling the creation of the second largest listed gaming entertainment company globally. For investors, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic company that is shaping the future of entertainment. The combined strength and scale of these multi-billion dollar businesses, massive customer base and Allwyn’s continued investment in technology and content, will accelerate innovation and fuel significant international growth. We’re on a mission to build the world’s leading global gaming entertainment company, and today’s transaction takes us one step closer to that goal.”

Robert Chvatal, Allwyn CEO, said: “This transaction marks a further milestone in Allwyn’s successful journey. Since being founded 13 years ago, we have grown substantially in terms of business performance, scale and innovation. With this combination, we will be able to grow further, faster as we deploy Group-wide know-how, a unified brand and sponsorship strategy, and in-house technology and content.”

Jan Karas, OPAP CEO, said: “This exciting combination creates a leading gaming company with strong Greek heritage, as well as a continued presence and listing in Greece. I’m excited about the opportunity for OPAP to deepen our strong existing relationship with Allwyn, driving innovation and additional growth opportunities.”

Pavel Mucha, OPAP CFO, said: “The tremendous financial characteristics of the combined business will continue to deliver substantial, consistent dividends to our shareholders, while also allowing investment in the business and additional value-accretive acquisitions to further accelerate growth.”

The post Business Combination of Allwyn and OPAP Creating the 2nd Largest Listed Lottery and Gaming Operator Globally appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Blueprint Gaming unwraps a trio of festive favourites with three iconic series reimagined for Christmas

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Blueprint Gaming is kicking off the festive season with the launch of Saint Nicked 3 Present Tense, the first of three Christmas-themed releases that see some of its most iconic series reimagined with charming festive visuals, enriched graphics and immersive seasonal experiences designed to delight operator player bases worldwide.

The yuletide rollout continues in December with Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Christmas Catch Jackpot King arriving on 4th December, followed by the blockbuster release of Kong Even Bigger Christmas on 11th December.

Launching today, Saint Nicked 3 Present Tense captivates with its mischievous festive flair, featuring enhanced Christmas aesthetics across its characters and classic money collects. The beloved duo make a snow-dusted comeback, complete with upgraded visual effects and seasonal touches that amplify engagement throughout the holiday period.

On 4th December, players will then be reintroduced to one of the industry’s most recognisable franchises with Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Christmas Catch Jackpot King.

The festive reinvention blends the timeless simplicity and broad appeal of the original series with a fully re-themed winter environment, combining frosty settings and holiday-inspired symbols with Blueprint’s iconic Jackpot King progressive system.

The newly introduced Express Bet also provides players with an optional festive surprise. Available at 1.5x the total bet, the feature doubles the chance of triggering bonus play. The result is a high-performing seasonal variant tailored to boost operator performance in December.

Blueprint rounds off its Christmas trilogy on 11th December with the arrival of Kong Even Bigger Christmas, transforming the studio’s epic Ape-powered franchise into a snow-covered festive spectacle.

Across all three launches, Blueprint Gaming reinforces its strategy of refreshing its strongest collections of titles with reimagined releases that stay true to their signature gameplay, while offering operators new opportunities to elevate their offerings during one of the busiest periods of the calendar year.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming, said: “Our Christmas trilogy brings together some of Blueprint’s most iconic series, each lovingly reimagined with festive charm, refreshed graphics and engaging seasonal features. These titles give operators the perfect opportunity to offer players familiar favourites wrapped in magic, warmth and a sense of festive fun.

Saint Nicked 3: Present Tense sets the tone, with Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Christmas Catch Jackpot King and Kong Even Bigger Christmas continuing the momentum through December. It’s a line-up designed to elevate seasonal engagement and deliver standout entertainment across the holidays.”

The post Blueprint Gaming unwraps a trio of festive favourites with three iconic series reimagined for Christmas appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming

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Casino Guru proudly unveils four new award categories for the upcoming Casino Guru Awards 2026, further expanding its mission to recognize individuals and organizations shaping a fairer, safer, and more forward-thinking iGaming industry.

Following three years of continued growth and rising influence, the Casino Guru Awards remain the only industry awards focused primarily on fairness, transparency, integrity, and responsible innovation. The 2026 ceremony, scheduled for May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge in Malta, in partnership with NEXT.io during NEXT Valletta, will spotlight outstanding achievements from across the global iGaming landscape.

This year’s newly introduced categories reflect Casino Guru’s commitment to acknowledging emerging talent, ethical leadership, and positive workplace culture.

New Award Categories for 2026

Woman Leader of the Year

This category celebrates an exceptional female leader whose vision, resilience, and strategic influence have helped transform her company and the industry as a whole.

Judges will look for measurable achievements in 2024–2025, including business growth, crisis management, innovation in user experience, safety, transparency, and responsible gambling.
The award is open to women driving meaningful impact while championing diversity, mentorship, and collaborative progress within iGaming.

Rising Star in Responsible Gambling

Designed to recognize organizations making remarkable early strides in safer gambling initiatives, this category highlights innovation and genuine commitment from companies of all sizes.
Whether through impactful tools, awareness campaigns, or fresh approaches to player protection, nominees must demonstrate provable results that contribute to higher standards of responsibility and safety across the industry.

Young Changemaker Award

Honoring an individual under 30, the Young Changemaker Award shines a spotlight on rising professionals whose ethical innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking actions have made a visible impact in 2025.

Judges will consider originality, leadership ability, and tangible contributions that set a new benchmark for integrity and progress in iGaming.

Industry Culture Shaper

Recognizing that true industry progress starts within organizations, this award honors companies that cultivate positive, transparent, and supportive workplace cultures.

Nominees will be assessed based on measurable outcomes such as employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity, alongside initiatives that support wellbeing, mental health, professional development, and ethical HR practices.

Additional weight will be given to organizations whose efforts inspire better standards beyond their walls through partnerships, advocacy, or shared knowledge.

A broader vision for industry progress

“The addition of these categories marks an important evolution for the Casino Guru Awards,” said Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru and leader of the Awards project.
“By spotlighting leadership, emerging talent, responsible innovation, and culture, we are amplifying the people and values that will define the future of iGaming. These awards aim to inspire positive change at every level, from individual contributors to global operators.”

The new categories will stand alongside Casino Guru’s established awards, including The Fairest Bonus Policy, The Most Transparent Casino, The Best Implementation of Responsible Gambling Tools, and others that reflect Casino Guru’s core values.

The post Casino Guru Awards 2026 introduce four new categories celebrating leadership, responsibility, and culture in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro

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CT Interactive is further expanding its presence in the regulated Romanian market through the launch of new gaming content on Maxbet.ro. This collaboration introduces a selection of top-performing titles designed to boost player engagement and enhance the overall gaming experience across the region.

As part of the collaboration, Maxbet.ro will feature two exclusive titles available only to its players — Kyoto Magic and Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus.

Martin Ivanov, Chief Operating Officer at CT Interactive, said: “Our collaboration with Maxbet.ro reflects our commitment to developing high-quality content that meets the demands of the modern Romanian player. Titles like Fruits & Sweets Buy Bonus and Kyoto Magic showcase the best of our portfolio – dynamic gameplay, strategic depth, attractive bonus features and excellent math models.”

“We are confident that our exclusive titles will enhance the gaming experience for Maxbet’s players, offering them a richer, more immersive, and engaging journey,” added Bogdan Smeu, Regional Manager for Romania at CT Interactive.

In addition to the exclusive titles, Maxbet.ro will now feature a selection of CT Interactive’s most popular games, including 20 Mega Star, Lucky Clover 10, The Shining Globe, Zet Fruits and Doctor Winstein Buy Bonus.

The launch of this new content underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to the Romanian market, delivering premium gaming experiences that enhance player engagement and contribute to the long-term success of its partners.

The post CT Interactive Expands in Romania with New Game Launch on Maxbet.ro appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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