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Bookmakers pull brand-new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning
bit.ly
2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookies have actually pulled new high stakes wagering games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style video games undermined new rules on fixed-odds wagering.

The optimum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator cautioned against any efforts to prevent the rules.

Betfred said it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its game was just a limited trial.
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The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) was advised by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to decrease gambling-related damage.
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The Betfred game involved two bicyclists 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.
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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 could bet approximately ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this rule-change - likewise involved wagering on numbers between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesman said: "This video game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of start and this product will not be released throughout our estate."
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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 door".

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any attempt prevent today's modifications to the maximum stakes "would be morally careless".

In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution this week.

"We have informed operators to take down brand-new products which undermine the changes, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and objective of the brand-new rules."He said that a third bookie that was poised to introduce a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted against doing so.

A Betfred spokesman said: "We got rid of the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after discussions with the Gambling Commission."

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