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

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Bookmakers pull brand-new video games after Gambling Commission warning

2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled new high stakes betting video games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred dealt with criticism their roulette-style games undermined new guidelines on fixed-odds wagering.

The optimum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned versus any attempts to circumvent the rules.
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Betfred stated it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its video game was just a restricted trial.
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The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was suggested 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 included 2 on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the bicyclist 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 positioned on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet up to ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved wagering on numbers in between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power representative said: "This video game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of commencement and this promotion code item will not be launched across our estate."
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Act responsibly

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".

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, said any attempt circumvent today's changes to the maximum stakes "would be ethically reckless".

In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, stated: "We have actually been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution today.
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"We have told operators to take down brand-new items which weaken the changes, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the brand-new guidelines."He said that a third bookie that was poised to launch a comparable product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted versus doing so.

A Betfred spokesman stated: "We removed the virtual biking video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this promotion code morning after discussions with the Gambling Commission."
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