Bookmakers Pull New Games After Gambling Commission Warning
Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission warning
2 April 2019
Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled new high stakes betting video games after a warning from the yohaig code Gambling Commission.
Paddy Power and Betfred dealt with criticism their roulette-style games undermined brand-new guidelines on fixed-odds betting.
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The optimum stake on fixed-odds betting was this promotion code week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted against any efforts to prevent the yohaig code guidelines.
Betfred stated it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its game was just a limited trial.
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The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was suggested by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to reduce gambling-related harm.
The Betfred video game included two bicyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the bicyclist at the rear captures the one in front, the number they are on is the winning number.
The numbers are 1 to 36, mirroring those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be placed on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might wager up to ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - also included banking on numbers in between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesperson stated: "This game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a selection of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of beginning and this item will not be introduced across our estate."
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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 yohaig code delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any attempt prevent today's modifications to the yohaig code optimal stakes "would be ethically reckless".
In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have actually been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut application today.
"We have told operators to take down brand-new items which undermine the changes, and we will examine any other items that are not within the spirit and intention of the brand-new rules."He said that a third bookie that was poised to release a similar item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted against doing so.
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A Betfred representative stated: "We got rid of the virtual cycling video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this early morning after discussions with the Gambling Commission."
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