Greece is getting ready to hand over the reins of its state lotteries – and two companies are stepping up for the job. Growthfund, the country’s national investment fund, just announced it has received official bids from OPAP Investment Limited and Brightstar Global Solutions Corporation. The move kicks off the next stage of the tender process to run the Greek State Lotteries, which could be a 10-year deal.

• The international tender covers exclusive rights to run, manage and promote the Greek State Lotteries for at least a decade. The deal includes some of the country’s most well-known lottery brands, with high visibility and strong market presence.

• OPAP Investment Limited, already a major name in the Greek gambling scene, submitted its bid along with Brightstar Global Solutions Corporation. Growthfund listed both companies alphabetically in its announcement.

• The process now moves to Phase B, where only the bidders that meet the prequalification criteria will be invited to make binding offers. This will be the deciding round in terms of financial terms and final selection.

• The licence up for grabs includes six lottery games: Instant State Lottery, State Housing Lottery, Popular Lottery, Special Social National Lottery, National Lottery, and the Extraordinary or Special Lottery coordinated by the European Association of State Lotteries (AELLE).

• OPAP has previously held the concession and was widely expected to re-enter the race. Brightstar, on the other hand, brings new international interest into the mix, creating a potentially competitive next phase.

• Growthfund hasn’t said exactly when Phase B will begin, but evaluation of the current bids is already in motion. The outcome will decide who gets to run one of Greece’s most established lottery portfolios.

• “Expressions of Interest have been submitted and the process is progressing to the next stage,” Growthfund confirmed in its official statement. The tender has now shifted from interest to real competition.

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