Bookmakers pull brand-new video games after Gambling Commission warning
2 April 2019
Two leading UK bookies 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 brand-new rules on fixed-odds wagering.
The maximum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted versus any attempts to circumvent the rules.
Betfred stated it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its video game was just a minimal trial.
The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds betting 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 damage.
The Betfred video game involved two bicyclists on a screen in shops racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the bicyclist at the rear captures 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 and even 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 wagering on numbers in between 1 and 36.
A Paddy Power spokesman said: "This game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hours of start and this product will not be launched across our estate."
Act responsibly
Ahead of the commission's intervention, both companies 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 modifications to the maximum stakes "would be morally reckless".
In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have actually been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution this promotion code week.
"We have informed operators to remove brand-new items which undermine the yohaig code changes, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and objective of the brand-new rules."He stated that a third bookie that was poised to launch a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been alerted against doing so.
A Betfred spokesperson said: "We eliminated the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this promotion code early morning after conversations with the Gambling Commission."
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