22-02-2006 Greek sources dismiss market rumours that Paddy Power was about to be approached by OPAP

As reported by RTE, OPAP would not consider buying another betting company in Europe as any such acquisition would jeopardise the company's monopoly rights in the Greek market.

OPAP has a very strong cash position and needs to make acquisitions, but is expected to do so outside Europe and try to keep the expanding Greek betting market to itself.

In separate news, the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland upheld complaints against a Paddy Power radio ad depicting a grandmother teaching her grandson how to play strip poker.

Two people said the advertising is offensive and vulgar, and complained about the dialogue after the young lad wins the first hand and the grandmother said: "So that means that I have to take my top off".

The listener hears a zip unfasten before the grandson wins the next hand with a pair of aces and the grandmother says: "Might as well whip the bra off now - you’re never going to beat a pair like that".

The commercial ends with the grandmother saying: "There's a place for fun and games – paddypowerpoker.com."

Just few months ago, the ASAI ordered Pady Power to withdrew a billboard poster campaign portraying Jesus and the Apostles gambling at the Last Supper alongside the slogan: "There's a place for fun and games."