Bookmakers Pull Brand-new Games After Gambling Commission Warning

Bookmakers pull brand-new games after Gambling Commission warning

2 April 2019

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

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

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

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

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

The Betfred game involved two bicyclists 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 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 bet as much as ₤ 500.

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

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: "this promotion code game was presented as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of start and this promotion code product will not be introduced throughout our estate."

Act properly

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 hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any attempt prevent today's changes to the maximum stakes "would be morally careless".

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

"We have actually told operators to take down brand-new items which undermine the changes, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the new rules."He stated that a 3rd bookie that was poised to release a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been warned against doing so.

A Betfred spokesperson said: "We eliminated the virtual biking video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this early morning after discussions with the yohaig code Gambling Commission."