Samaritans Criticised Over Paddy Power Betfair Partnership
bet9ja.com
Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair partnership
bet9ja.com
31 August 2019
bet9ja.com
ByDan Whitworth
Money Box reporter
The charity Samaritans has come in for criticism over its links with the betting company Paddy Power Betfair.
Staff at the group chose Samaritans as their Charity of the Year.
But critics - including loved ones of people with betting problems who took their own lives - state it is risking its credibility by working with the firm.
Both organisations state Samaritans' insight and knowledge will help Paddy Power Betfair enhance how it helps vulnerable clients.
The collaboration includes activities such as fundraising, corporate contribution and offering.
Samaritans states it will likewise assist it continue its work "to attempt to lower the variety of deaths by suicide".
bet9ja.com
"Appalling"
But John Myers, who lost his kid Ryan five years ago when he took his own life aged 27 after becoming addicted to gambling, stated that was not a great enough reason.
"I'm extremely dissatisfied in the Samaritans.
"They're a charitable organisation so they need to get cash from other individuals, anywhere they can. But to throw yourself in with the devil I don't think is right.
"This industry has actually damaged families and ruined lives.
bet9ja.com
"To even believe about lying in bed with these individuals is incorrect and I believe they should reconsider it and stop taking their money."
bit.ly
Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, informed the BBC she had concerns about the tie-up.
"At best this promotion code is distasteful and at worst it's terrible," she stated.
"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to a market with a track record for being responsible for suicides through addiction to gaming - it difficulties me.
"For me it legitimises this company. I have actually fulfilled numerous individuals who've lost enjoyed ones, incomes and homes through addiction to gambling.
"Everything Samaritans does is to attempt to resolve the problems that all gambling business have a function to play in developing.
" [Samaritans] ought to return to basics and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for providing for years - its fantastic work."
In statements both organisations said the collaboration will not simply help Samaritans' fundraising efforts, but its insight and expertise will also help Betfair look after susceptible consumers and establish and strengthen its policies in this area.
Paddy Power Betfair added it is "keen to gain from the great work the yohaig code Samaritans currently do, in order to continually enhance our responsible gambling tools and interactions".
You can hear more on BBC Radio 4's Money Box program on Saturday at 12pm or listen once again here.
Follow Money Box, external and Dan, external on twitter.
Gambling companies see huge rise in grievances
12 August 2019
Gambling firms pledge ₤ 60m to help addicts
2 July 2019
Why is gambling so addictive?
24 June 2019
'A banking app assisted me beat my dependency'
bet9ja.com
6 October 2018
Gambling Commission - Home
bit.ly