Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission warning

2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookies have pulled brand-new high stakes wagering games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.

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

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

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

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

The Betfred game included 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 yohaig code number they are on is the winning number.

The numbers are 1 to 36, mirroring those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd and even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could wager as much as ₤ 500.

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

A Paddy Power representative stated: "this promotion code game was presented as part of a short trial in a selection of shops. The trial was ceased within 24 hours of commencement and this promotion code product will not be introduced across 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, said any attempt prevent today's changes to the maximum stakes "would be ethically reckless".

In a declaration 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 implementation today.

"We have actually told operators to remove brand-new items which weaken the modifications, and we will investigate any other items that are not within the spirit and objective of the new guidelines."He said that a 3rd bookie that was poised to launch a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted versus doing so.

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

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