Ladbrokes under investigation by EU over virtual betting in Belgium

EU antitrust authorities said on Wednesday they had opened an in-depth investigation into Ladbrokes’ operating rights in Belgium for virtual betting.

The European Commission said the investigation was opened 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 has around 300 betting agencies in the country.

According to Reuters, the company has an authorisation to operate virtual betting in its outlets in Belgium since 2014 but the country had denied requests from other operators for the same permits.

“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.