Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning
2 April 2019
Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled brand-new high stakes wagering video games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.
Paddy Power and Betfred dealt with criticism their roulette-style games undermined new guidelines on fixed-odds wagering.
The maximum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was today cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator cautioned versus any attempts to prevent the guidelines.
Betfred stated it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power stated its game was only a restricted 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 federal government as part of efforts to lower gambling-related harm.
The Betfred video game involved 2 bicyclists on a screen in stores 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 bet approximately ₤ 500.
Paddy Power's game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - likewise involved wagering on numbers in between 1 and 36.
A Paddy Power spokesperson stated: "This game was presented as part of a short trial in a choice of stores. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of commencement and this promotion code product will not be introduced throughout our estate."
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 entrance".
Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the delay in cutting FOBT stakes, said any effort prevent today's changes to the optimal stakes "would be morally careless".
In a statement 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 responsibly following the stake cut execution today.
"We have actually informed operators to remove brand-new products which undermine the modifications, and we will investigate any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the brand-new guidelines."He stated that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to launch a similar item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted against doing so.
A Betfred spokesperson said: "We got rid of the virtual biking video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this early morning after discussions with the Gambling Commission."
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