Dawn raids launched on Irish betting businesses at centre of price-fixing and anti-competitiveness investigation

A competition authority has carried out a number of dawn raids on businesses active in the Irish betting industry in relation to a criminal inquiry into potential breaches of competition law.

It is understood the raids are a result of an investigation by the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) into possible price-fixing and anti-competitive behaviour within the betting industry. 

This is the second investigation by the body after it launched legal action against the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) in 2023 in pursuance of information related to alleged anti-competition activities.

In a statement the CCPC said: “The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has carried out searches of businesses active in the betting industry.  

"The searches form part of an ongoing criminal investigation into potential breaches of competition law. Authorised officers from the CCPC were supported by colleagues from An Garda Síochána's National Economic Crime Bureau and District Detective Units.

“The CCPC is urging businesses and individuals who have evidence or information that may help this investigation to come forward.

“Competition law prohibits anti-competitive agreements between two or more independent businesses, such as agreements to fix prices, share markets, or restrict output. 

“Competition law also forbids firms which hold a dominant position from engaging in abusive practices, such as predatory pricing or refusal to supply.”

During the 2023 investigation the IBA insisted that it operates “within all legal and regulatory requirements" and it reiterated that stance on Thursday. 

"The Irish Bookmakers Association has consistently operated in full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and will continue to do so," and IBA statement said. "We will also continue to fully cooperate with any authority seeking our assistance. Unfortunately, as the matter is a live investigation with the CCPC, we are unable to provide further comment at this time." 

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