Formal investigation on Belgium’s alleged state aid to the gambling sector
Today, the opening of the formal investigation procedure on Belgium’s alleged State aid to Ladbrokes, the gambling company, regarding virtual betting services has been published in the OJ.
The Commission’s investigation stems from claims that Ladbrokes enjoyed a de facto exclusive right to offer virtual betting in Belgium from February 2014 to May 2018, without paying any specific licensing fee. Belgium’s Council of State annulled the 2018 Royal Decree that classified virtual betting as an “automatic game of chance,” complicating the legal landscape. This shift raised questions about whether Belgium’s tolerance of legal uncertainty has favoured Ladbrokes. To assess these new developments, the Commission has opened the formal investigation procedure.
Interested parties may submit comments to this opening until 24th November 2024. Clayton & Segura can help you prepare comments.
For more information see the Publication in the Official Journal.