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

Bookmakers pull brand-new games after Gambling Commission warning

2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled brand-new high stakes wagering video games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred dealt with criticism their roulette-style games weakened new guidelines on fixed-odds betting.

The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned against any attempts to prevent the rules.
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Betfred said it wanted more talks with the yohaig code commission, while Paddy Power stated its video game was only a restricted trial.
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The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was recommended by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to reduce gambling-related damage.

The Betfred game included two bicyclists on a screen in shops racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the bicyclist at the rear captures the one in front, the yohaig code number they are on is the winning number.
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The numbers are 1 to 36, matching those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd and even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet as much as ₤ 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 on numbers between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesman stated: "This video game was presented as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of start and this product will not be released throughout our estate."

Act properly

Ahead of the commission's intervention, both firms drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson explained them as "FOBTs through the back entrance".
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Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any attempt prevent today's changes to the optimal stakes "would be morally careless".

In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the yohaig code commission, stated: "We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution today.
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"We have actually informed operators to take down new items which weaken the changes, and we will examine any other items that are not within the spirit and intention of the new guidelines."He stated that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to release a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been warned versus doing so.
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A Betfred spokesperson stated: "We removed the virtual biking game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this promotion code morning after discussions with the Gambling Commission."
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