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

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Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission cautioning
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2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled brand-new high stakes betting games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.

Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style video games weakened brand-new rules on fixed-odds betting.

The optimum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was this promotion code week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted versus any efforts to circumvent the guidelines.

Betfred said it wanted more talks with the commission, while said its game was just a limited trial.

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

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

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

Paddy Power's game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved betting on numbers between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power spokesman stated: "This game was introduced as part of a short trial in a choice of stores. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of commencement and this product will not be launched across our estate."

Act responsibly

Ahead of the commission's intervention, both companies 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 prevent this week's modifications to the optimal stakes "would be ethically irresponsible".
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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 responsibly following the stake cut application this promotion code week.
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"We have actually informed operators to remove new items which undermine the modifications, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intent of the new guidelines."He said that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to launch a similar item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been warned against doing so.
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A Betfred representative said: "We got rid of the virtual biking video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this early morning after conversations with the Gambling Commission."

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