An independent CMA panel has decided Spreadex should sell Sporting Index after finding the deal harmed competition for licensed online sports spread betting services.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted the proposed sale of Sporting Index, to address the competition concerns it had found in the licensed online sports spread betting market, with some modifications and enhancements.

Last year, Spreadex acquired the ‘business-to-consumer’ business of Sporting Index from Sporting Group Holding Limited (Sporting Group). Spreadex and Sporting Index both provide sports fixed odds betting and sports spread betting services to customers based in the UK.

Sports spread betting involves customers betting on a range of outcomes of sporting events rather than the standard ‘win or lose’ outcomes offered by fixed-odds betting. In spread betting, the closer a customer’s bet is to an outcome, the more money they stand to win, and the further away from the outcome they are, the more they stand to lose. This means that, in contrast to fixed odds betting, customers’ wins and losses could be far higher than the amount they bet.

After conducting an in-depth Phase 2 investigation into the deal, the CMA’s independent panel has concluded the deal created a monopoly in the UK licensed online sports spread betting market, eliminating competition in that market. The panel concluded that the merger could lead to a worse user experience, a more limited range of products and/or higher prices for consumers in the UK.

The panel has concluded that, with some modifications and enhancements, the sale remedy proposed by Spreadex is sufficient to remedy the competition concerns and restore competition in this market that is lost as a result of the deal.

The CMA now has 12 weeks to either accept Final Undertakings from Spreadex, or to make a Final Order requiring Spreadex, to sell Sporting Index to a suitable CMA-approved buyer.

Richard Feasey, the chair of the independent panel reviewing the merger, said:

“This deal eliminates competition in the supply of licensed online sports spread betting services in the UK.

Sports spread betting – like any other market – needs competition to drive good customer experience, maintain choice and keep prices competitive. To achieve this, we have decided that Spreadex should sell Sporting Index, so that customers can choose between two firms for the best user experience and prices, rather than having to use only one. “

Further details are available on the SpreadEx / Sporting Index case page.

Fast-growing crash game Aviatrix has partnered with iGaming’s most trusted technical and regulatory compliance firm, BetComply, as it continues its rapid expansion into new regulated markets.

Aviatrix will work closely with BetComply to ensure it remains compliant across all markets, with BetComply also assisting with its entry into new regulated jurisdictions.

The partnership has already seen Aviatrix granted a B2B licence in Sweden, with more licences and certifications expected over the coming months.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “Having BetComply at our side as we embark on a huge expansion into regulated markets around the world is priceless. The team has unparalleled expertise, and is able not only to assist with our day-to-day processes, but also share strategic insight and best practices. We look forward to building upon this partnership as we enter new regulated markets globally.”

Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply said: “We rarely see new studios expanding this quickly into regulated markets, and that’s testament to the fantastic work of the Aviatrix team. This game is one of the most exciting in all of online casino right now, and we’re working closely with Aviatrix to help them reach more players in regulated markets wherever possible.”

Despite launching less than two years ago, Aviatrix is already licensed or certified in Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Peru, the Netherlands, Georgia and by the MGA.

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has imposed a fine of €1,125,000 on Blue High House SA for offering online games of chance without the necessary permit. This is prohibited. Blue High House had previously been given a penalty payment order for the illegal offer.

On the website betonline.ag, owned by Blue High House, Dutch players could participate in online gambling. No measures had been taken to keep players from the Netherlands out. During its investigation, the KSA found various abuses that led to a higher fine than the basic fine of €600,000 being imposed. The offer on the website in question has now been stopped, but the KSA is closely monitoring that the provider does not offer illegally on the Dutch market again via other channels. If the KSA does find this, new sanctions may follow.

Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the board of the KSA, said: “The Netherlands has a legal market to ensure that people who want to gamble can do so safely. With illegal providers, such as in this case blue high house, we often see that risky gaming behavior is not taken into account in any way. For example, players can create an account on this website without having to verify their age, which means that minors can also play. We also saw things like autoplay and turboplay, which can encourage excessive gaming, and there were no gaming limits. The KSA takes tough action against these types of illegal websites.”