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

new games after Gambling Commission cautioning

2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled brand-new high stakes wagering video games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred dealt with criticism their roulette-style games weakened brand-new guidelines on fixed-odds wagering.
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The optimum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted versus any attempts to circumvent the rules.

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

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

The Betfred game involved 2 bicyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the cyclist at the yohaig code 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 put on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might wager up to ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved betting on numbers between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power representative stated: "this promotion code game was introduced as part of a short trial in a selection of shops. The trial was ceased within 24 hr of start and this promotion code item will not be introduced throughout our estate."
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Act responsibly

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".
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Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, said any effort circumvent this week's changes to the maximum stakes "would be morally reckless".
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In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, stated: "We have been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut implementation today.

"We have actually informed operators to remove brand-new products which weaken the modifications, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intent of the brand-new rules."He said that a third bookie that was poised to introduce a comparable product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been warned versus doing so.
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A Betfred spokesman stated: "We got rid of the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after discussions with the Gambling Commission."

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