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Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair partnership
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31 August 2019
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ByDan Whitworth Money Box press reporter
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The charity Samaritans has come in for criticism over its links with the betting business Paddy Power Betfair.

Staff at the group selected Samaritans as their Charity of the Year.

But critics - including loved ones of individuals with betting issues who took their own lives - say it is risking its reputation by dealing with the company.

Both organisations say Samaritans' insight and competence will help Paddy Power Betfair improve how it helps vulnerable clients.
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The collaboration includes activities such as fundraising, business contribution and offering.
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says it will likewise help it continue its work "to attempt to decrease the variety of deaths by suicide".

"Appalling"
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But John Myers, who lost his boy Ryan 5 years ago when he took his own life aged 27 after ending up being addicted to gambling, said that was not a good adequate factor.

"I'm extremely disappointed in the Samaritans.

"They're a charitable organisation so they require to get money from other people, wherever they can. But to throw yourself in with the devil I don't believe is right.
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"this promotion code market has damaged families and ruined lives.

"To even think of depending on bed with these people is wrong and I think they should rethink it and stop taking their cash."

Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, told the BBC she had issues about the tie-up.

"At best this promotion code is horrible and at worst it's dreadful," she said.

"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to an industry with a credibility for being accountable for suicides through addiction to betting - it problems me.

"For me it legitimises this promotion code company. I have actually satisfied many individuals who have actually lost enjoyed ones, incomes and homes through dependency to betting.

"Everything Samaritans does is to attempt to solve the problems that all betting companies have a role to play in producing.

" [Samaritans] should return to essentials and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for doing for years - its fantastic work."

In statements both organisations stated the collaboration will not just assist Samaritans' fundraising efforts, however its insight and competence will likewise assist Paddy Power Betfair look after vulnerable consumers and establish and reinforce its policies in this promotion code area.

Paddy Power Betfair added it is "keen to gain from the wonderful work the Samaritans already do, in order to continually improve our accountable gambling tools and interactions".
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You can hear more on BBC Radio 4's Money Box program on Saturday at 12pm or listen again here.

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