Greece nears sales of first state assets in fundraising push

Greece has begun to try and raise funds by selling off state assets with the sale of a single national license for horse racing betting.

Athens-listed Greek lottery and sports betting operator OPAP has been invited to sign the licence by state privatisation agency (HRADF), Reuters reported.

Betting on horse racing in the country had been run by a state operator.

HRADF said in a statement on Friday that OPAP had been "invited" to sign the concession contract on 24 April.

Reuters reported that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had told reporters on Thursday that state assets were one of several thorny issues that would be discussed with its EU and IMF creditors in order to free further bailout aid.

Greece is also looking to divest other state assets, including selling a 67% stake in its biggest port, Piraeus, and the lease of a bundle of 14 regional airports.