Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair partnership

31 August 2019

ByDan Whitworth Money Box press reporter

The charity Samaritans has actually come in for criticism over its relate to the yohaig code betting company Paddy Power Betfair.

Staff at the group picked Samaritans as their Charity of the Year.
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But critics - consisting of family members of individuals with gambling problems who took their own lives - say it is risking its reputation by dealing with the company.

Both organisations say Samaritans' insight and competence will assist Paddy Power Betfair improve how it helps vulnerable customers.

The partnership includes activities such as fundraising, corporate contribution and volunteering.

Samaritans states it will likewise help it continue its work "to attempt to decrease the number of deaths by suicide".

"Appalling"

But John Myers, who lost his son Ryan 5 years ago when he took his own life aged 27 after becoming addicted to gaming, stated that was not an excellent adequate reason.

"I'm very disappointed 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 do not believe is right.

"this promotion code market has actually damaged households and damaged lives.

"To even consider depending on bed with these people is wrong and I think they need to reconsider it and stop taking their cash."

Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, told the BBC she had issues about the tie-up.
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"At finest this promotion code is horrible and at worst it's appalling," she stated.

"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to an industry with a credibility for being accountable for suicides through addiction to gaming - it difficulties me.

"For me it legitimises this promotion code service. I have actually met a lot of individuals who've lost liked ones, livelihoods and homes through addiction to gambling.

"Everything Samaritans does is to to solve the issues that all betting business have a function to play in creating.
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" [Samaritans] ought to get back to fundamentals and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for doing for years - its great work."
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In declarations both organisations stated the partnership will not simply assist Samaritans' fundraising efforts, but its insight and proficiency will likewise help Paddy Power Betfair care for vulnerable customers and develop and reinforce its policies in this promotion code area.

Paddy Power Betfair added it is "eager to gain from the fantastic work the Samaritans currently do, in order to continuously improve our accountable gaming tools and interactions".

You can hear more on BBC Radio 4's Money Box programme on Saturday at 12pm or listen again here.

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