1 Bookmakers Pull Brand new Games After Gambling Commission Warning
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Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission warning
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2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookies have pulled new high games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.

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

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

Betfred stated it desired more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its game was just a restricted trial.
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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 reduce 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 number they are on is the winning number.

The numbers are 1 to 36, matching those on a live roulette wheel, and other bets can be placed on odd or even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers could wager up to ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's game, with a maximum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - also involved banking on numbers in between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power spokesperson said: "This video game was introduced as part of a short trial in a selection of stores. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of start and this 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 door".

Tracey Crouch MP, who resigned as sports minister over the hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any attempt circumvent this promotion code week's changes to the optimal stakes "would be morally irresponsible".
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In a declaration on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, stated: "We have actually been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act responsibly following the stake cut implementation today.
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"We have actually informed operators to remove brand-new products which undermine the changes, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the new guidelines."He said that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to introduce a comparable product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been cautioned against doing so.

A Betfred spokesman stated: "We removed the virtual cycling game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this morning after conversations with the Gambling Commission."

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