Ladbrokes under fire over FOBT changes
Newspaper investigation attacks bookmaker over virtual roulette game
Ladbrokes has been forced to defend itself after making changes to its FOBT games in the wake of new restrictions.
A Daily Mail investigation alleged the bookmaker reduced the game time on its virtual roulette game from 14 seconds to 7 seconds, while also providing players with the option to receive an instant result via a “turbo” button.
However, a spokesperson for Ladbrokes said it was merely complying with the new requirements adding that its roulette games were changed to meet them – a maximum stake of £2 and a minimum spin speed of 2.5 seconds.
The move comes less than a week after government-mandated changes to FOBTs came into effect, reducing the maximum stake payable from £100 to £2.
This dreadful industry really is the gift that keeps on giving.
STOP TRYING TO SHORT CUT THE STAKE CUT.
WE ARE ON TO YOUGamblers to get instant Ladbrokes' roulette results with turbo button https://t.co/WEYwvuaCOJ via @MailOnline
— Carolyn Harris (@carolynharris24) April 8, 2019
However former Rank Group director of compliance and responsible gambling Richard Wade accused the newspaper of hypocrisy over its “Stop the gambling predators” campaign.
Fellow bookmakers Paddy Power Betfair and Betfred were forced to withdraw new products released following the implementation of curbs on 1 April.
In both cases, the operators received a warning from the Gambling Commission, with the regulator confirming that further regulatory action may occur.
Speaking at the time, UKGC CEO Neil McArthur warned operators that they would be watched “very carefully to ensure that any changes and developments to these products are done with a focus on customer safety.”