OPAP calls for Internet gambling ban

OPAP, the state-owned Greek betting and gaming company stated that the company will inform the MoF and the ministry of sports to adopt similar measures as those adopted by the US congress in order to ban payments to online gaming companies.

OPAP’s CEO stated that the passage of the law by the US congress is a very serious development that strengthens OPAP’s efforts to fight illegal online gambling in Greece. Moreover, the specific decision will serve as a basis for EU or member countries to take similar measures.

The US congress passed a legislation on Sept. 30, making unlawful for credit-card companies to collect payments for transactions with online-gaming sites. U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to sign the legislation into law within the next two weeks. The news is seen by analysts as positive for OPAP since investors that are investing in the gaming sector could switch to OPAP that does not have internet betting, whilst the legislation in the USA could trigger the passage of similar legislation in the EU countries.