bookmakers-pull-new-games-after-gambling-commission-warning

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Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning
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2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled new high stakes wagering video games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style video games weakened brand-new guidelines on fixed-odds betting.

The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was this promotion code week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator cautioned against any attempts to prevent the rules.

Betfred stated it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was just a restricted trial.

The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was suggested by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the government as part of efforts to reduce gambling-related harm.

The Betfred game included two cyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the cyclist at the rear catches the one in front, the number they are on is the yohaig code winning number.

The numbers are 1 to 36, matching those on a live roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd or even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could wager up to ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved banking on numbers between 1 and 36.

A Paddy stated: "This game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of start and this promotion code product will not be released across our estate."
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Act properly

Ahead of the commission's intervention, both firms drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson explained them as "FOBTs through the back entrance".

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any effort prevent today's changes to the maximum stakes "would be ethically reckless".

In a declaration on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution this week.

"We have actually told operators to take down brand-new items which undermine the modifications, and we will investigate any other products that are not within the spirit and intent of the brand-new guidelines."He said that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to release a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been alerted against doing so.

A Betfred spokesman said: "We got rid of the virtual biking game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after conversations with the yohaig code Gambling Commission."

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