Bookmakers pull brand-new video games after Gambling Commission alerting

2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have actually pulled new high stakes betting video games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.

Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style games undermined new rules on fixed-odds betting.

The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was today cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted versus any efforts to prevent 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 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 lower gambling-related harm.

the yohaig code Betfred video game included 2 cyclists 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, mirroring those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might wager approximately ₤ 500.

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

A Paddy Power representative said: "this promotion code game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a choice of stores. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of beginning and this promotion code item will not be launched 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 this promotion code week's modifications to the maximum stakes "would be ethically careless".

In a declaration 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 implementation today.

"We have informed operators to remove new items which weaken the modifications, and we will investigate any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the brand-new rules."He said that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to release a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been warned against doing so.

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

Bookmakers warned over fixed-odds stake cut

30 March 2019

Most pubs 'don't stop children gambling'

15 November 2018