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Bookmakers pull new video games after Gambling Commission warning
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2 April 2019

Two leading UK bookmakers have pulled new high stakes betting video games after a warning from the Gambling Commission.

Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style games undermined brand-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 prevent the rules.

Betfred stated it wanted more talks with the commission, while Paddy Power said its video game was only a restricted trial.
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The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was recommended by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the government as part of efforts to lower gambling-related damage.
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The Betfred video game included two bicyclists on a screen in shops 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 live roulette wheel, and other bets can be placed on odd or even numbers, colours, rows and columns. Customers might bet up to ₤ 500.
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Paddy Power's video game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - also included betting on numbers between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power representative said: "This video game was presented as part of a short trial in a selection of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of commencement and this promotion code item will not be released across 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 hold-up in cutting FOBT stakes, said any effort prevent this week's changes to the optimal stakes "would be morally reckless".
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In a statement on Tuesday, Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the yohaig code stake cut application this promotion code week.

"We have actually informed operators to take down brand-new products which weaken the changes, and we will examine any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the brand-new rules."He said that a third bookmaker that was poised to launch a comparable product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been warned against doing so.

A Betfred spokesperson said: "We got rid of the virtual biking game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am this early morning after discussions with the Gambling Commission."

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