Bookmakers Pull Brand-new Games After Gambling Commission Warning
Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning
2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookmakers have actually pulled new high stakes wagering video games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style games weakened brand-new rules on fixed-odds betting.
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The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was today cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted against any efforts to circumvent the guidelines.
Betfred stated it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was only a minimal trial.
The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) was advised by the Gambling Commission in March in 2015 and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to lower gambling-related harm.
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The Betfred game involved two 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 winning number.
The numbers are 1 to 36, matching those on a live roulette wheel, and other bets can be placed on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might bet up to ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's video game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code rule-change - likewise involved wagering on numbers in between 1 and 36.
A Paddy Power spokesperson said: "This video 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 released throughout our estate."
Act properly
Ahead of the yohaig code commission's intervention, both companies drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson described them as "FOBTs through the back entrance".
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Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, said any attempt circumvent this week's changes to the optimal stakes "would be ethically reckless".
In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, stated: "We have been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act responsibly following the stake cut implementation this 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 items that are not within the spirit and objective of the new rules."He said that a third bookie that was poised to launch a comparable product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been cautioned against doing so.
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A Betfred representative stated: "We removed the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this morning after conversations with the Gambling Commission."
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