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Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission warning

2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have actually pulled brand-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 betting terminals was this promotion code week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned versus any efforts to circumvent the rules.

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

The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was advised by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the yohaig code government as part of efforts to decrease gambling-related damage.

The Betfred video game involved 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 roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd or perhaps numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might wager as much as ₤ 500.

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

A Paddy Power said: "This game was presented as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was ceased within 24 hr of beginning and this product will not be released throughout our estate."

Act properly

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, stated any effort circumvent today's modifications to the optimal stakes "would be morally careless".

In a declaration on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, stated: "We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut implementation today.
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"We have actually told operators to take down brand-new products which weaken the changes, and we will examine any other items that are not within the spirit and intent of the brand-new rules."He said 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.
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A Betfred spokesperson said: "We eliminated the virtual biking video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after conversations with the Gambling Commission."

Bookmakers warned over fixed-odds stake cut
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