The Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) has released the public version of its reasons for issuing an interim order directing Google Ireland Ltd and Google South Africa (Pty) Ltd (collectively, “Google”) to allow Lottoland South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Lottoland”) to access its advertising platform, Google Ads.
 
Google Ads is a service that allows advertisers to display advertisements to users on Google search, with Google Ireland acting as the service provider for Google Ads in South Africa.
 
The public reasons can be accessed on the Tribunal’s website at: https://www.comptrib.co.za/case-detail/20343
 
Background
 
The Tribunal’s interim order follows an interim relief application by Lottoland, a licensed bookmaker, which, among others, offers fixed-odds betting on the outcome of various lotteries worldwide, including the South African national lottery, sporting events and other betting contingencies. Lottoland competes with other licensed bookmakers in South Africa such as Hollywood Bets, World Sports Betting, Betway, Betfred (which owns Lottostar), and Netbet (which trades as Sportingbet).
 
The interim order is valid for six months, or the conclusion of a hearing into the alleged prohibited practices, whichever occurs first. The Competition Commission is investigating Lottoland’s allegations.