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Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair partnership
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31 August 2019
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ByDan Whitworth Money Box press reporter

The charity Samaritans has come in for criticism over its relate to the wagering company Paddy Power Betfair.

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

But critics - including relatives of people with gambling problems who took their own lives - say it is risking its track record by dealing with the firm.

Both organisations say Samaritans' insight and proficiency will help Paddy Power Betfair improve how it assists susceptible clients.

The collaboration involves activities such as fundraising, corporate contribution and offering.

Samaritans says it will also assist it continue its work "to try to minimize the variety of deaths by suicide".

"Appalling"
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But John Myers, who lost his boy Ryan five years earlier when he took his own life aged 27 after ending up being addicted to gambling, stated that was not a sufficient factor.
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"I'm exceptionally disappointed in the Samaritans.
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"They're a charitable organisation so they require to get money from other individuals, anywhere they can. But to toss yourself in with the devil I don't believe is right.

"This market has actually destroyed households and damaged lives.

"To even consider lying in bed with these individuals is wrong and I believe 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 yohaig code BBC she had concerns about the tie-up.

"At best this is horrible and at worst it's appalling," she stated.
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"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to a market with a reputation for being accountable for suicides through dependency to gaming - it troubles me.

"For me it legitimises this business. I have actually fulfilled a lot of individuals who have actually lost enjoyed ones, livelihoods and homes through addiction to gaming.

"Everything Samaritans does is to attempt to fix the issues that all gambling business have a function to play in developing.

" [Samaritans] must return to essentials and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for providing for years - its fantastic work."
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In statements both organisations said the partnership will not just help Samaritans' fundraising efforts, but its insight and proficiency will also assist Paddy Power Betfair take care of susceptible customers and establish and strengthen its policies in this location.

Paddy Power Betfair added it is "keen to learn from the great work the Samaritans currently do, in order to continually enhance our responsible gaming tools and interactions".

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

Follow Money Box, external and Dan, external on twitter.

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