Bookmakers pull brand-new games after Gambling Commission alerting
2 April 2019
Two leading UK bookies have pulled new high stakes wagering video games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.
Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style video games undermined new rules 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 said its game was only a restricted trial.
The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was advised by the yohaig code Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to lower gambling-related harm.
The Betfred video game involved two bicyclists 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, matching those on a roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd or even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could bet approximately ₤ 500.
Paddy Power's game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - also included wagering on numbers between 1 and 36.
A Paddy Power representative stated: "This video game was presented as part of a short trial in a selection of stores. The trial was ceased within 24 hours of beginning and this product will not be launched 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 entrance".
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 yohaig code optimal stakes "would be morally reckless".
In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, stated: "We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut application this week.
"We have actually told operators to remove brand-new products which weaken the modifications, and we will investigate any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the brand-new rules."He said that a third bookie that was poised to launch a comparable product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been alerted against doing so.
A Betfred representative stated: "We got rid of the yohaig code virtual biking game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after discussions with the Gambling Commission."
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