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Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair partnership

31 August 2019
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ByDan Whitworth Money Box press reporter

the yohaig code charity Samaritans has actually come in for criticism over its links with the wagering business Paddy Power Betfair.

Staff at the group selected Samaritans as their Charity of the Year.

But critics - including loved ones of people with gaming issues who took their own lives - say it is risking its reputation by working with the firm.

Both organisations state Samaritans' insight and know-how will help Paddy Power Betfair improve how it assists vulnerable consumers.

The collaboration involves activities such as fundraising, business contribution and offering.

Samaritans says it will also assist it continue its work "to try to decrease the number of deaths by suicide".

"Appalling"
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But John Myers, who lost his child Ryan 5 years earlier when he took his own life aged 27 after ending up being addicted to gaming, said that was not an excellent adequate factor.
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"I'm very disappointed in the Samaritans.

"They're a charitable organisation so they need to get money from other individuals, anywhere they can. But to toss yourself in with the devil I don't believe is right.

"this promotion code market has actually ruined families and damaged lives.

"To even think of lying in bed with these people is wrong and I believe they ought to reassess it and stop taking their money."

Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, informed the BBC she had issues about the tie-up.

"At best this is horrible and at worst it's appalling," she said.

"When you see them [Samaritans] themselves to an industry with a credibility for being accountable for suicides through dependency to gaming - it troubles me.

"For me it legitimises this promotion code business. I have actually satisfied so numerous individuals who have actually lost loved ones, incomes and homes through addiction to betting.

"Everything Samaritans does is to try to resolve the problems that all betting business have a function to play in creating.

" [Samaritans] should get back to basics and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for providing for years - its fantastic work."
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In statements both organisations said the yohaig code partnership will not just help Samaritans' fundraising efforts, but its insight and know-how will likewise assist Paddy Power Betfair take care of susceptible clients and establish and strengthen its policies in this area.

Paddy Power Betfair included it is "eager to gain from the great work the Samaritans already do, in order to continuously enhance our accountable gambling tools and interactions".

You can hear more on BBC Radio 4's Money Box program on Saturday at 12pm or listen once again here.

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