The Competition Tribunal has issued an interim order directing Google to permit Lottoland to access its advertising services known as “Google Ads” for now, according to a statement from the Competition Tribunal. 

The Tribunal said: “The Competition Tribunal (“Tribunal”) has issued an interim order directing Google Ireland Ltd and Google South Africa (Pty) Ltd (collectively, “Google”) to permit Lottoland South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Lottoland”) to access its advertising services known as “Google Ads”, for so long as Google permits any firm in South Africa to utilise Google’s Ads Services to advertise fixed-odds betting on the outcome of lotteries.“

The order from the Tribunal applies for a six-month period from its date or the conclusion of a hearing into the prohibited practices alleged by Lottoland, whichever is the first. 

Google Ads allows advertisers to display ads to users who use Google search, with Google Ireland acting as the service provider for Google Ads in South Africa.

The Tribunal’s order comes an interim relief application by Lottoland, a licensed bookmaker, which offers fixed-odds bets on the outcome of various lotteries around the world, including the SA national lottery, sporting events and other betting contingencies.