Jan Karas

Jan Karas has served as CEO of OPAP Group since 2019, following its acquisition by the Czech-led consortium of Emma Delta (associated with Czech businessman Jiri Smejc). A veteran of the Central and Eastern European gaming industry with experience at companies like Sazka Group, Karas brought modern gaming industry expertise to Greece's dominant lottery and gaming operator. OPAP holds an unparalleled position in the Greek market: exclusive licenses for numerical lotteries (including the popular JOKER, LOTTO, and Proto games), sports betting (through OPAP Sports), and the operation of over 25,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) and self-service betting terminals across Greece. This regulated monopoly position in lotteries and dominant market share in other segments provides highly predictable revenue and cash flows. Under Karas's leadership, OPAP has undergone significant modernization. He has expanded the online channel substantially — launching digital lottery ticket sales, online sports betting, and an online casino — while simultaneously upgrading the retail network with modern terminals and improved player experiences. The combination of defensive monopoly revenues from lotteries with growth from online gambling has made OPAP one of the highest-yielding stocks on the Athens Stock Exchange, with consistent dividend payouts. Karas's decisions on online growth investment, regulatory navigation, responsible gambling measures, and geographic expansion beyond Greece are the primary drivers of OPAP's stock.