Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair partnership

31 August 2019

ByDan Whitworth Money Box press reporter
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The charity Samaritans has actually come in for criticism over its relate to the betting business Paddy Power Betfair.

Staff at the group chose Samaritans as their Charity of the Year.
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But critics - consisting of relatives of individuals with gambling issues who took their own lives - say it is risking its credibility by working with the company.
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Both organisations say Samaritans' insight and expertise will assist Paddy Power Betfair improve how it assists susceptible consumers.

The collaboration involves 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 reduce the yohaig code variety of deaths by suicide".

"Appalling"

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 gaming, said that was not a sufficient factor.

"I'm extremely dissatisfied in the Samaritans.

"They're a charitable organisation so they require to get money from other individuals, wherever they can. But to toss yourself in with the devil I don't believe is right.
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"this promotion code industry has damaged households and destroyed lives.

"To even believe about depending on bed with these individuals is incorrect and I think they ought to reconsider it and stop taking their money."

Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, told the BBC she had concerns about the tie-up.
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"At finest this promotion code is distasteful and at worst it's appalling," she stated.
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"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to an with a reputation for being accountable for suicides through addiction to gaming - it problems me.

"For me it legitimises this company. I have actually satisfied numerous individuals who've lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes through dependency to gambling.
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"Everything Samaritans does is to try to solve the yohaig code issues that all gambling companies have a function to play in producing.
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" [Samaritans] should return to fundamentals and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for providing for years - its great work."

In statements both organisations said the collaboration will not just assist Samaritans' fundraising efforts, however its insight and knowledge will likewise help Paddy Power Betfair take care of susceptible customers and develop and reinforce its policies in this promotion code location.

Paddy Power Betfair included it is "keen to learn from the wonderful work the Samaritans already do, in order to continually improve our responsible gaming tools and interactions".
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You can hear more on BBC Radio 4's Money Box program on Saturday at 12pm or listen again here.

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