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.

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Leading esports organisation Team Vitality and blockchain platform Tezos are celebrating two years of their industry-pioneering mobile app, V.Hive. An essential for fans of the club, V.Hive 2.0 has received a huge update to commemorate its second anniversary, with an updated look and introducing new, essential features for any esports enthusiast.

The V.Hive app has allowed Team Vitality to position itself as one of the technological leaders in the esports industry. From fan engagement to sales, the app plays an essential role for Team Vitality and establishes itself as the premier platform to support the club and its players.

TEAM VITALITY’S ECOSYSTEM IN YOUR POCKET, THANKS TO V.HIVE 2.0

To celebrate its second anniversary, the V.Hive mobile app is being refreshed with an all-new interface, as well as numerous new features highly requested by fans. V.Hive 2.0 will see a complete User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) overhaul, to enhance the current user experience and integrate the new features.

Following the update, fans can expect:

• A FRESH NEW LOOK

The all-new design of the app will make it easier and clearer to use, and more fluid to navigate. Fans will also be able to discover THE SHOWCASE – a dedicated space on the homepage which will bring together all the latest news and social media posts from Team Vitality’s accounts. Finally, access to exclusive V.Hive content, such as player and roster news, The Member Days, special collections, and merchandise discounts will all be made simpler thanks to a new, optimised interface of the new features.

• A NEW SHOP

With V.Hive 2.0, the new e-Shop will become more intuitive than ever. Team Vitality fans will now be able to shop more easily thanks to all the new filters and categories. Also being launched in V.Hive 2.0 is an exclusive offers and rewards program, in addition to the pre-existing loyalty program, allowing fans to accumulate discounts with ease. In summary – the more you use the app, the more benefits you reap.

• AN OPTIMISED MATCH CALENDAR

V.Hive 2.0 will also allow fans to filter and favourite matches in the all-new match calendar, meaning fans will never miss an event again. The calendar can sync with fans’ iCal and Google calendars and send notifications, ideal for events in different time zones. On top of that, all information and statistics for Team Vitality games and rosters will all be available in-app – whether looking for a stream link, a certain player, stats, or the timing of a game, all information is now available at the push of a button.

The global update of V.Hive 2.0 places fans at the heart of the app, facilitating and rewarding fan engagement with the club. V.Hive is a showcase of technological and innovative vision, designed to embody the ambition of the club.

AN ESSENTIAL TOOL IN TEAM VITALITY’S INNOVATION STRATEGY

Since launching in November 2022, the V.Hive app, in partnership with Tezos, has revolutionised the esports market with its unique ‘support to earn’ features, powered by Web3. In two years, V.Hive has allowed the club to reward fans’ commitment, while directly integrating its partners into the heart of the Team Vitality community.

V.Hive has established itself as a powerful first-party data tool at the heart of Team Vitality’s data strategy. Through Web3 technology and offering an authentic, direct and interactive connection with the community, V.Hive can continue to optimise fan experiences and create tailor-made opportunities for partners. This approach also strengthens Team Vitality’s position as a leading B2B brand in esports.

The message is clear with V.Hive 2.0: Team Vitality wants to remain the most innovative mobile app on the market. A new era for esports begins with the update, where fans and partners are at the heart of the project.

“In just two years, V.Hive has become much more than just an app for our fans. It’s a reflection of our commitment to offering a unique and personalised experience. Thanks to this powerful, first-party data tool, we’ve transformed the way we collaborate with our partners, by offering them exclusive opportunities that are perfectly integrated into our ecosystem. V.Hive is a pillar of our innovation strategy, and allows us to reaffirm our positioning as a premium brand in esports” explains Amélie Canet, Fan Engagement and Marketing Director at Team Vitality.