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Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning

2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookies have pulled new high stakes wagering video games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.

Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style games undermined new rules on fixed-odds wagering.

The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted against any efforts to prevent the guidelines.

Betfred said it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was just a minimal trial.

The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was advised by the Gambling Commission in March in 2015 and is backed by the government as part of efforts to lower gambling-related harm.

The Betfred video game included 2 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, matching those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be positioned on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might bet up to ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved banking on numbers in between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: "this promotion code game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a selection of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of beginning and this promotion code product will not be released across our estate."

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Ahead of the commission's intervention, both companies drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson described them as "FOBTs through the back entrance".
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Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the yohaig code delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any attempt prevent this week's changes to the "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 been definitely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut implementation this week.
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"We have actually informed operators to remove brand-new items which weaken the changes, and we will examine any other items that are not within the spirit and objective of the yohaig code new rules."He said that a 3rd bookie that was poised to release a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been warned versus doing so.
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A Betfred representative stated: "We eliminated the virtual biking game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this morning after discussions with the Gambling Commission."

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