Bookmakers Pull new Games After Gambling Commission Warning

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Bookmakers pull brand-new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning

2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookies have actually pulled new high stakes betting games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.

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

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

Betfred said it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its game was just a limited 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 federal government as part of efforts to reduce gambling-related harm.

The Betfred game included two cyclists 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 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 positioned on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could wager as much as ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - likewise included wagering on numbers between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power spokesman stated: "this promotion code game was presented as part of a short trial in a selection of stores. The trial was ceased within 24 hours of beginning and this promotion code 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 described 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 effort circumvent today's modifications to the maximum stakes "would be morally irresponsible".

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

"We have informed operators to take down new items which undermine the modifications, and we will investigate any other items that are not within the spirit and intent of the new guidelines."He stated that a 3rd bookie that was poised to launch a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been alerted versus doing so.

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