Bookmakers pull brand-new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning

2 April 2019

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

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

The optimum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was this promotion code week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted against any efforts to circumvent the guidelines.

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

the yohaig code ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was advised by the Gambling Commission in March in 2015 and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to minimize gambling-related harm.

The Betfred video game involved 2 cyclists on a screen in shops racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the cyclist at the yohaig code 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 put on odd and even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet approximately ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's video game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - likewise included banking on numbers in between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: "This video game was introduced as part of a short trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of beginning and this promotion code item will not be introduced 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 hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, said any effort circumvent today's changes to the maximum stakes "would be morally careless".

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

"We have actually informed operators to remove brand-new items which weaken the modifications, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and objective of the new guidelines."He said that a third bookie that was poised to launch a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been warned against doing so.

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

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