According to a statement from the Competition Tribunal, the Tribunal has issued an interim order directing Google to temporarily allow Lottoland access to its advertising service named "Google Ads".
The Tribunal stated: "The Competition Tribunal ('the Tribunal') has issued an interim order directing Google Ireland Limited and Google South Africa (Pty) Ltd (collectively 'Google') to allow Lottoland South Africa (Pty) Ltd ('Lottoland') access to its advertising service named 'Google Ads', as long as Google permits any company in South Africa to use Google's advertising services to promote fixed-odds betting on lottery results."
The order from the Tribunal is effective from the date of issuance or until the hearing on the alleged prohibitive actions against Lottoland concludes, whichever comes first, and will last for six months.
Google Ads allows advertisers to display ads to users using Google Search, where Google Ireland is the service provider for Google Ads in South Africa.
The order was a result of a temporary relief application made by the licensed betting company Lottoland, which offers fixed-odds betting on the results of various lotteries around the world, including the South African National Lottery, sporting events, and other betting occurrences.
