bet9ja.com
Bookmakers pull brand-new games after Gambling Commission cautioning


2 April 2019


Two leading UK bookies have actually pulled new high video games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.


Paddy Power and Betfred dealt with criticism their roulette-style games weakened new guidelines on fixed-odds betting.


The maximum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned against any efforts to circumvent the rules.


Betfred said it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was only a minimal trial.
bet9ja.com

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


The Betfred video game involved 2 cyclists 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 yohaig code winning number.


The numbers are 1 to 36, matching those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be positioned on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might bet as much as ₤ 500.


Paddy Power's video game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the yohaig code level before this week's FOBT rule-change - also involved betting on numbers between 1 and 36.
bet9ja.com

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: "This video game was presented as part of a short trial in a selection of stores. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of beginning and this product will not be launched across our estate."


Act responsibly


Ahead of the commission's intervention, both firms drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson described them as "FOBTs through the back entrance".
bet9ja.com

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any attempt circumvent this week's modifications to the optimal stakes "would be morally irresponsible".


In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act responsibly following the yohaig code stake cut execution today.
bet9ja.com

"We have actually informed operators to remove brand-new items which undermine the modifications, and we will examine any other items that are not within the yohaig code spirit and intention of the brand-new rules."He stated that a third bookmaker that was poised to release a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been cautioned against doing so.


A Betfred spokesman stated: "We removed the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after discussions with the Gambling Commission."


Bookmakers cautioned over fixed-odds stake cut


30 March 2019
bet9ja.com

Most clubs 'don't stop kids betting'


15 November 2018
bit.ly