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 wagering business Paddy Power Betfair.

Staff at the group selected Samaritans as their Charity of the Year.

But critics - including family members of individuals with betting problems who took their own lives - say it is risking its reputation by dealing with the company.

Both organisations say Samaritans' insight and knowledge will assist Paddy Power Betfair improve how it helps susceptible clients.

The collaboration includes activities such as fundraising, business donation and offering.

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

"Appalling"

But John Myers, who lost his child Ryan 5 years earlier when he took his own life aged 27 after becoming addicted to gambling, stated that was not a sufficient factor.

"I'm very disappointed in the Samaritans.

"They're a charitable 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.
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"This industry has actually destroyed families and ruined lives.

"To even think about lying in bed with these people is incorrect and I think they ought to rethink it and stop taking their cash."

Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, informed the BBC she had issues about the tie-up.

"At finest this is distasteful and at worst it's terrible," she stated.
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"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to an industry with a track record for being accountable for suicides through dependency to betting - it difficulties me.
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"For me it legitimises this promotion code business. I have actually met numerous individuals who have actually lost enjoyed ones, incomes and homes through dependency to gaming.

"Everything Samaritans does is to attempt to solve the problems that all betting companies have a function to play in producing.

" [Samaritans] need to return to essentials and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for doing for years - its wonderful work."
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In declarations both organisations stated the collaboration will not just help Samaritans' fundraising efforts, however its insight and competence will likewise help Paddy Power Betfair look after vulnerable customers and establish and reinforce its policies in this location.

Paddy Power Betfair included it is "keen to gain from the wonderful work the yohaig code Samaritans already do, in order to constantly enhance our accountable gambling 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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