Paddy Power and Betfred withdraw alternative FOBT products after UKGC warning
Paddy Power Betfair withdraws new-look game that was recently trialled in a selection of shops
New retail products launch by Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) and Betfred have been withdrawn after less than a day in action following media reports they attempt to circumvent curbs on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs).
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has confirmed it warned both operators to withdraw the games, while a third game belonging to William Hill has also been scrapped before launch, according to The Guardian.
The UKGC said that both PPB and Betfred could face regulatory action over the games, ranging from a formal warning and the imposition of further licence conditions to financial penalties and even licence revocation.
Richard Watson, UKGC’s executive director for enforcement, said: “We have been absolutely clear with operators about our expectations to act responsibly following the stake cut implementation this week.
“We have told operators to take down new products which undermine the changes, and we will investigate any other products that are not within the spirit and intention of the new rules.’’
PPB’s game, known as Pick ‘n’ 36, enabled players to bet on numbers 1 to 36. The Pick ‘n’ 36 game carried a maximum stake of £100, the amount of the previous FOBT limit.
A spokesperson for Paddy Power said that the game was introduced as part of “a short trial in a selection of shops”. The operator confirmed that the trial was stopped within 24 hours of commencement and that the product would not be launched across its retail estate.
Sources close to the operator say it acknowledges the broader public sentiment in the wake of the FOBT debate and is taking a more cautious approach to introducing such games.
Betfred’s game, a paper-based game known as ‘Virtual Cycling’, allowed players to bet on when an animated cyclist travelling round a circular track would be overtaken by their opponents. Players could win up to £500 by picking the correct section of track in which this would occur.
A spokesperson for Betfred confirmed to EGR that the game had been removed on Tuesday morning following “discussions” with the UKGC. The operator declined to comment further.
Ok I am going to be controversial. This shows the futility of focusing on (one) product to reduce gambling harm. People always create and use an alternative. Even more so online unless you block the global internet. Better to focus on the individual (help+tools+edu NOT blame) https://t.co/cRNsbBZEAo
— Richard Flint (@YorkshireFlint) April 1, 2019
The imposition of maximum stake limits on FOBTs came into force on Monday with stakes have been cut from £100 to £2.
The warnings come less than a week after UKGC CEO Neil McArthur said the regulator would continue to watch operators “very carefully to ensure that any changes and developments to these products are done with a focus on customer safety.”