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
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Two leading UK bookies have actually pulled brand-new high stakes betting games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred faced 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 alerted versus any efforts to circumvent the guidelines.

Betfred said it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was only a restricted trial.

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

The Betfred video game included 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, matching those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd and even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet up to ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's video game, with an of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved banking on numbers between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesman said: "this promotion code video game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a selection of stores. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of commencement and this product will not be released across our estate."

Act properly

Ahead of the commission's intervention, both companies drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson described them as "FOBTs through the back entrance".

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any effort prevent today's modifications to the maximum stakes "would be ethically careless".
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In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, stated: "We have actually been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution this promotion code week.
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"We have informed operators to take down new items which weaken the modifications, and we will examine any other items that are not within the spirit and intention of the new guidelines."He said that a third bookmaker that was poised to release a similar item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been cautioned versus doing so.

A Betfred spokesperson said: "We removed the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after discussions with the Gambling Commission."

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