Paddy Power Betfair Fined After Stolen Cash Is Gambled Through Its Website

16 October 2018
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Paddy Power Betfair has actually been fined ₤ 2.2 m for stopping working to stop stolen cash being bet through its website and for failing to safeguard customers revealing signs of issue gaming.


The Gambling Commission said the bookie's failings meant "significant amounts of taken cash streamed through their exchange".


One consumer utilized cash defrauded from his employer, Birmingham Dogs Home.


Betfair apologised and stated it had strengthened its treatments.


The regulator said Paddy Power Betfair's behaviour was just not appropriate.


A Gaming Commission investigation also discovered that the bookie failed to sufficiently connect with consumers who were showing indications of issue betting.


"These failings all stem from one simple concept - operators should understand their consumer," stated Richard Watson, Gambling Commission executive director.


"If they understand their customer and ask the best questions then they put themselves in a strong position to fulfill their anti-money laundering and social duty obligations."


'Very sorry'


As part of the settlement, Paddy Power Betfair will make a ₤ 1.7 m payment to GambleAware, the independent charity that commissions research study, education and treatment services to minimize gambling-related harm in the UK.


Paddy Power Betfair president Peter Jackson stated: "We have a duty to intervene when our clients reveal indications of issue gambling. In these 5 cases our interventions were ineffective and we are really sorry that this happened.


"Recently, we have actually purchased a substantial program of work to enhance our resources and systems in responsible betting and customer security. We are encouraged that the Gambling Commission has actually identified substantial enhancement given that the time of these cases in 2016."


The commission's questions centred on five customers in 2016, consisting of two who were enabled to bet stolen cash - one of whom had defrauded his company, Birmingham Dogs Home.


Simon Price, who was president of the dogs home, and his other half Alayna confessed cheating the charity of ₤ 894,754 to money his betting addiction.


Mr Price was jailed for 5 years at the end of 2017, while Mrs Price was provided a two-year suspended term.


As part of Paddy Power's settlement with the Gambling Commission, the money will be returned to the pet dogs home.


Shares in Paddy Power Betfair rose 3.4% in late trading in London.