Bookmakers pull brand-new games after Gambling Commission warning

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 undermined brand-new rules on fixed-odds wagering.

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

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

The ₤ 2 cap on fixed-odds wagering terminals (FOBTs) was advised by the Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to reduce gambling-related damage.

The Betfred game included two cyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the bicyclist at the rear captures the yohaig code one in front, the number they are on is the yohaig code winning number.

The numbers are 1 to 36, mirroring those on a live roulette wheel, and other bets can be put on odd or perhaps 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 promotion code week's FOBT rule-change - also involved banking on numbers between 1 and 36.

A Paddy Power representative said: "this promotion code game was presented as part of a short trial in a choice of shops. The trial was stopped within 24 hr of commencement and this promotion code item will not be released throughout our estate."

Act responsibly

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 yohaig code delay in cutting FOBT stakes, said any attempt circumvent today's changes to the maximum stakes "would be ethically careless".

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 yohaig code stake cut implementation this promotion code week.

"We have informed operators to remove brand-new items which weaken the changes, and we will examine any other items that are not within the spirit and objective of the new rules."He said that a third bookmaker that was poised to introduce a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had been cautioned versus doing so.

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

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