Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission alerting
2 April 2019
Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled brand-new high stakes wagering 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 wagering.
The optimum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was today cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned against any attempts to circumvent the rules.
Betfred said it wanted more talks with the yohaig code commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was only a minimal trial.
The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) was recommended by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the government as part of efforts to decrease gambling-related harm.
The Betfred video game included 2 bicyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the cyclist 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 live roulette wheel, and other bets can be placed 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 promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - likewise included banking on numbers in between 1 and 36.
A Paddy Power spokesman stated: "this promotion code video game was presented as part of a short trial in a selection of stores. The trial was ceased within 24 hours of commencement and this 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 explained 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 prevent today's modifications to the optimal stakes "would be ethically reckless".
In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut application this week.
"We have actually told operators to remove new items which weaken the modifications, and we will investigate any other products that are not within the spirit and intent of the new guidelines."He stated that a third bookmaker that was poised to launch a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been cautioned versus doing so.
A Betfred spokesperson stated: "We got rid of the virtual cycling video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this morning after conversations with the Gambling Commission."
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