Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission alerting

2 April 2019

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

The optimum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was this promotion code week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the yohaig code regulator alerted versus any attempts to prevent the rules.
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Betfred stated it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its game was only a minimal trial.

The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering (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 damage.

The Betfred video game involved 2 cyclists on a screen in shops racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the yohaig code cyclist at the rear captures 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 live roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd and even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might bet as much as ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved betting on numbers between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesperson stated: "This game was presented as part of a short trial in a choice of stores. The trial was ceased within 24 hr of commencement and this item will not be launched throughout our estate."
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Act properly
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Ahead of the commission's intervention, both companies drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson described them as "FOBTs through the back door".

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, said any attempt circumvent today'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, stated: "We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act responsibly following the stake cut implementation today.

"We have told operators to take down brand-new items which undermine the changes, and we will investigate any other items that are not within the spirit and intent of the brand-new rules."He stated that a third bookie that was poised to introduce a comparable product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted against doing so.

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