OPAP

March proved to be the first month of decline - albeit marginal - after four months of growth for the benchmark of the Greek stock market, which dropped just 0.17% from end-February. In the last session of the local bourse ahead of the four-day recess, most stocks posted gains despite the decline of the banks index.

The Greek Horse Racing Organization (ODIE) is putting up for an auction the one-square-kilometer plot at Markopoulo in Attica that hosts the Olympic Equestrian Center and the national racecourse, at a starting price of 30.14 million euros.

“Responsible Gaming is a key principle for OPAP” – Top distinction for the utilization of Αffiliate Marketing

Twenty Croatian fans, previously detained in connection with the violent clashes outside the OPAP Arena in Nea Filadelfia that resulted in the death of AEK Athens fan Michalis Katsouris on the eve of a soccer match against Dinamo Zagreb in August, are set to be released from custody.

OPAP recorded strong profitability in the first half of the year, with net profits up 34.2% compared to last year.

At the same time, the board of directors approved the distribution of 1 euro as an interim dividend for the year 2023, with a cutoff date of November 2, 2023.

A subdued session saw Greek stocks decline slightly on Thursday, in contrast to the gains in other European markets.

Most banks and blue chips faced selling pressure, but not excessively.

The ASE general index closed at 1,313.20 points, 0.30% lower on turnover of €84.9 million. Blue chips dropped 0.31%, mid-caps 0.24% and banks 0.13%.

The Athens Stock Exchange bucked the negative trend observed on European markets Thursday, gaining 0.65% thanks to buying in banks and other blue chips.

The headline index ended at 1,314.31 points on turnover of 87.8 million euros, which was significantly lower than in previous sessions. Blue chips rose 0.69%, mid-caps added 0.44% and banks gained 1.20%. 

Irish fans attending the Euro 2024 qualifying game against Greece at the OPAP Arena in Athens on Friday have taken to social media to complain about the "shambolic and dangerous" organization at the match after they were stranded outside the stadium after kick-off after an apparent issue with the turnstile gates. 

Greece maintained its hopes of making the top two of its Euro 2024 qualifying group with a 2-1 win at home against Ireland on Friday.

This was the Greek national team's second win in as many games, after the victory at Gibraltar, in a group that also includes France and the Netherlands.

OPAP, the leading gaming operator in Greece, said net profits jumped 128.3% to 592.3 million euros in 2022 from €259.4 million in 2021, with fourth-quarter net profit at €306.5 million (boosted by a €181.3 million profit from the sale of Betano), an increase of 277.6% from the same period in 2021.