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

Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission cautioning

2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled new high stakes wagering video games after a warning from the yohaig code Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style games undermined new guidelines on fixed-odds wagering.
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The maximum stake on terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned versus any attempts to circumvent the rules.
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Betfred said it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its video game was just a limited trial.

The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) was recommended by the Gambling Commission in March in 2015 and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to reduce gambling-related damage.
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The Betfred game involved 2 bicyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the bicyclist at the rear catches the one in front, the number they are on is the winning number.
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The numbers are 1 to 36, mirroring those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be placed on odd or even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet approximately ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - likewise included banking on numbers in between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesman said: "This video game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a selection of stores. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of beginning and this product will not be introduced across our estate."

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

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any effort circumvent this week's changes to the optimal stakes "would be morally irresponsible".

In a declaration on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have actually been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act responsibly following the stake cut application this promotion code week.
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"We have actually informed operators to take down brand-new products which undermine the modifications, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the brand-new rules."He stated that a 3rd bookie that was poised to launch a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted versus doing so.

A Betfred representative stated: "We eliminated the virtual cycling video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after conversations with the Gambling Commission."
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Bookmakers alerted over fixed-odds stake cut
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