EU antitrust authorities said on Wednesday they had begun an in-depth investigation into the right granted by Belgium to Ladbrokes to operate virtual betting in the country, reported Reuters.
The European Commission, which oversees competition policy in the 27-member European Union, said it had opened the study after two rival gaming operators complained in March 2019 that Ladbrokes’ exclusive right amounted to unfair state aid.
Ladbrokes is operated in Belgium by Derby SA, a subsidiary of GVC Holding PLC, and is the market leader with some 300 betting agencies in the country.
The Commission said Belgium authorised Ladbrokes to operate virtual betting in its outlets in February 2014 and online in March 2015, but then denied requests from other operators.
“The measure may have distorted competition and the Commission has doubts that it complies with EU state aid rules,” the Commission said in a statement.
Featured News
UK Probes Lindab’s Acquisition of HAS-Vent Amid Fears of Market Monopoly
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
Shein Faces EU Regulations Over User Data
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
Google Fights Back Against US Antitrust Lawsuit
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
US Homeland Security Establishes Blue-Ribbon Board with Tech CEOs to Advise on AI
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
FTC Accuses Amazon Executives of Using Disappearing Messaging Apps to Conceal Evidence
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI