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Bookmakers pull new games after Gambling Commission warning
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2 April 2019
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Two leading UK bookies have actually pulled new high stakes wagering video games after a caution from the Gambling Commission.
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Paddy Power and Betfred faced criticism their roulette-style games undermined new guidelines on fixed-odds wagering.

The maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals was this week cut from ₤ 100 to ₤ 2, and the regulator alerted against any efforts to prevent the guidelines.

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 Gambling Commission in March last year and is backed by the federal government as part of efforts to minimize gambling-related harm.
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The Betfred game included 2 bicyclists on a screen in stores racing on a velodrome track with numbers on it. When the yohaig code bicyclist at the rear catches the one in front, the yohaig code 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 . Customers might wager approximately ₤ 500.

Paddy Power's game, with an optimum stake of ₤ 100 - the level before this week's FOBT rule-change - also involved banking on numbers in between 1 and 36.
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A Paddy Power spokesman stated: "This game was introduced as part of a short trial in a selection of stores. The trial was ceased within 24 hours of start and this item will not be launched across our estate."

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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 delay in cutting FOBT stakes, stated any effort prevent this week's modifications to the maximum stakes "would be morally irresponsible".
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In a statement on Tuesday, Richard Watson, executive director for enforcement at the commission, said: "We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act properly following the stake cut execution today.

"We have informed operators to remove brand-new items which undermine the modifications, and we will investigate any other items that are not within the spirit and objective of the new rules."He stated that a 3rd bookmaker that was poised to release a similar product to those at Paddy Power and Betfred had actually been alerted against doing so.

A Betfred representative said: "We removed the virtual cycling video game and all associated marketing at 10.30 am today after conversations with the Gambling Commission."

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