OPAP reopens Play gaming halls following Covid-19 closures

Sazka-owned Greek gaming giant OPAP has reopened its Play gaming hall chain today (8 June), with video lottery terminals hosted across the rest of its retail network also going live for customers.

In addition, in-venue seated service for customers resumed, as of 6 June, provided that social distancing protocols are followed.

OPAP’s network of stores across Greece and Cyprus closed on 14 March this year in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

While its 3,750 sales outlets across Greece and Cyprus reopened from 11 May and street vendors were able to resume selling Hellenic Lotteries products, the Play-branded gaming venues remained shuttered at that point.

As a result of the closures, OPAP revealed in April that it expected gross gaming revenue to decline by up to €140.0m (£123.0m/$151.5m), and earnings by up to €53.0m, in 2020.

The latest announcement will see the full network back in operation today, with OPAP's full product portfolio once again available to customers.

Store openings are accompanied by strict, new guidelines for hygiene protocols aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19. 

“OPAP remains steadily committed to safeguarding the health and safety of its partners, customers and employees across its stores’ network,” the operator said.

“In this framework, the company adopts comprehensive preventive measures against the spread of the Covud-19 virus, which fully comply with the operating rules established by the competent authorities.”