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

Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission warning
bet9ja.com
2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled new high stakes wagering video games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred dealt with criticism their roulette-style games weakened new rules on fixed-odds betting.

The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was today cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned against any attempts to circumvent the guidelines.
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Betfred stated it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was just a minimal trial.
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The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) was recommended by the Gambling Commission in March in 2015 and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to minimize gambling-related damage.

The Betfred game included two bicyclists on a screen in shops 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 live roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet approximately ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's video game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - also on numbers between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesman said: "this promotion code video game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a selection of shops. The trial was ceased within 24 hours of start and this product will not be introduced 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 entrance".

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

"We have informed operators to take down new products which weaken the changes, and we will investigate any other items that are not within the spirit and intent of the brand-new rules."He said that a third bookmaker that was poised to launch a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted versus doing so.

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