Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission alerting
2 April 2019
Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled brand-new high stakes betting games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style video games weakened brand-new rules on fixed-odds wagering.
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The maximum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was today cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned versus any efforts to circumvent the rules.
Betfred said it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its game was just a restricted trial.
The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was suggested by the Gambling Commission in March in 2015 and is backed by the government as part of efforts to minimize gambling-related harm.
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The Betfred video game included two cyclists on a screen in shops 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 put on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet approximately ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's game, with an stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - also included banking on numbers between 1 and 36.
A Paddy Power spokesman said: "This video game was presented as part of a short trial in a choice of stores. The trial was ceased within 24 hours of commencement and this promotion code product will not be launched across our estate."
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Act responsibly
Ahead of the commission's intervention, both firms drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson explained them as "FOBTs through the back door".
Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the yohaig code delay in cutting FOBT stakes, said any effort prevent this week's changes to the optimal stakes "would be morally irresponsible".
In a declaration on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have actually been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution this week.
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"We have told operators to take down brand-new items which undermine the changes, and we will investigate any other items that are not within the spirit and intent of the yohaig code brand-new rules."He stated that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to launch a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been cautioned against doing so.
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A Betfred representative stated: "We eliminated the virtual cycling video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this early morning after conversations with the Gambling Commission."
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Bookmakers Pull Brand-new Games After Gambling Commission Warning
magdalena08j04 edited this page 2025-10-20 17:19:43 +02:00