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Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission cautioning

2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled new high stakes wagering games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.

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

The optimum stake on fixed-odds wagering terminals was today cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator warned versus any efforts to circumvent the rules.

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

The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds betting (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 video game involved two cyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the bicyclist at the rear captures 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 or even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet as much as ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - likewise included banking on numbers between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power representative stated: "this promotion code video game was introduced as part of a brief trial in a selection of shops. The trial was ceased within 24 hr of start and this promotion code item will not be introduced throughout our estate."

Act properly

Ahead of the commission's intervention, both firms drew fire from critics. Shadow culture minister Tom Watson described them as "FOBTs through the back door".

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, said any effort circumvent today's modifications to the optimal stakes "would be morally reckless".

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 execution today.

"We have actually informed operators to take down brand-new products which undermine the changes, and we will examine any other items that are not within the yohaig code spirit and intention of the new guidelines."He stated that a third bookmaker that was poised to introduce a comparable item to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted against doing so.

A Betfred spokesperson said: "We removed the virtual cycling video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after conversations with the Gambling Commission."

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