Samaritans criticised over Betfair collaboration
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31 August 2019

ByDan Whitworth Money Box reporter
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The charity Samaritans has come in for criticism over its links with the betting business Paddy Power Betfair.

Staff at the group picked Samaritans as their Charity of the Year.

But critics - consisting of loved ones of individuals with betting issues who took their own lives - say it is risking its reputation by working with the company.

Both organisations state Samaritans' insight and competence will assist Paddy Power Betfair enhance how it helps vulnerable customers.

The collaboration involves activities such as fundraising, corporate contribution and volunteering.

Samaritans says it will likewise help it continue its work "to attempt to minimize the number of deaths by suicide".
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"Appalling"

But John Myers, who lost his child Ryan 5 years ago when he took his own life aged 27 after ending up being addicted to betting, said that was not a sufficient reason.
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"I'm incredibly disappointed in the Samaritans.

"They're a charitable organisation so they need to get cash from other individuals, any place they can. But to throw yourself in with the devil I do not think is right.

"this promotion code industry has damaged families and ruined lives.

"To even believe about depending on bed with these people is incorrect and I believe they must reconsider it and stop taking their money."

Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, informed the BBC she had issues about the yohaig code tie-up.

"At finest this promotion code is distasteful and at worst it's terrible," she said.

"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to a market with a track record for being accountable for suicides through dependency to gambling - it troubles me.

"For me it legitimises this promotion code business. I've fulfilled many individuals who have actually lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes through addiction to gambling.

"Everything Samaritans does is to try to resolve the problems that all gambling business have a role to play in creating.

" [Samaritans] need to return to basics and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for providing for years - its great work."
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In declarations both organisations stated the collaboration will not simply help Samaritans' fundraising efforts, but its insight and knowledge will likewise help Paddy Power Betfair care for vulnerable consumers and establish and reinforce its policies in this promotion code area.

Paddy Power Betfair added it is "keen to find out from the wonderful work the Samaritans already do, in order to continuously improve our accountable gaming tools and interactions".

You can hear more on BBC Radio 4's Money Box program on Saturday at 12pm or listen again here.
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