Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair collaboration

31 August 2019
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ByDan Whitworth Money Box 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 yohaig code Year.

But critics - consisting of family members of individuals with gaming issues who took their own lives - state it is risking its track record by working with the firm.

Both organisations state Samaritans' insight and know-how will assist Paddy Power Betfair improve how it helps vulnerable clients.

The partnership includes activities such as fundraising, business contribution and volunteering.
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Samaritans says it will likewise help it continue its work "to try to lower the number of deaths by suicide".

"Appalling"

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

"I'm very disappointed in the Samaritans.

"They're a charitable organisation so they require to get money from other people, any place they can. But to toss yourself in with the devil I do not think is right.

"this promotion code industry has actually ruined families and damaged lives.
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"To even consider lying in bed with these people is wrong and I believe they need to reassess it and stop taking their cash."
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Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, told the BBC she had issues about the tie-up.

"At finest this is distasteful and at worst it's appalling," she stated.

"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to a market with a reputation for being accountable for suicides through addiction to gambling - it difficulties me.

"For me it legitimises this service. I have actually fulfilled a lot of individuals who have actually lost loved ones, incomes and homes through addiction to gaming.
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"Everything Samaritans does is to attempt to fix the problems that all betting companies have a role to play in producing.

" [Samaritans] must return to fundamentals and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for doing for years - its great work."

In statements both organisations stated the partnership will not just help Samaritans' fundraising efforts, however its insight and know-how will also help Paddy Power Betfair care for susceptible consumers and establish and reinforce its policies in this area.

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

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

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