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Bookmakers pull brand-new video games after Gambling Commission alerting
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2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookmakers have actually pulled new high stakes betting video games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.

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

The optimum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was this promotion code week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator cautioned versus any efforts to circumvent the guidelines.

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

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

The Betfred video game included two 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, mirroring those on a live roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd and even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could wager approximately ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's video game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - also involved betting on numbers between 1 and 36.

A representative stated: "this promotion code game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a choice of shops. The trial was ceased within 24 hr of beginning and this promotion code item 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 described them as "FOBTs through the back door".
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Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any effort prevent today's changes to the optimal stakes "would be morally irresponsible".

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

"We have told operators to remove brand-new products which undermine the changes, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the new rules."He stated that a third bookie that was poised to launch a similar item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been warned versus doing so.

A Betfred spokesman stated: "We got rid of the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this promotion code early morning after conversations with the Gambling Commission."

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