samaritans-criticised-over-paddy-power-betfair-partnership

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Samaritans criticised over Paddy Power Betfair collaboration

31 August 2019

ByDan Whitworth Money Box press reporter

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

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

But critics - including loved ones of individuals with gambling problems who took their own lives - state it is risking its track record by working with the firm.

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

The collaboration includes activities such as fundraising, business contribution and volunteering.

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

"Appalling"

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

"I'm exceptionally disappointed in the Samaritans.

"They're a charitable organisation so they need to get money from other individuals, anywhere they can. But to throw yourself in with the devil I don't think is right.

"this promotion code market has ruined families and damaged lives.
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"To even think about depending on bed with these individuals is incorrect and I believe they must rethink it and stop taking their money."
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Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, informed the BBC she had issues about the tie-up.
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"At finest this is distasteful and at worst it's terrible," she said.
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"When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to a market with a track record for being accountable for suicides through addiction to betting - it problems me.
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"For me it legitimises this promotion code company. I have actually fulfilled many individuals who have actually lost liked ones, incomes and homes through addiction to gambling.
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"Everything Samaritans does is to try to fix the problems that all betting business have a role to play in producing.

" [Samaritans] should get back to essentials and keep doing what's it's been appreciated for providing for years - its fantastic work."

In statements both organisations said the collaboration will not just help Samaritans' fundraising efforts, however its insight and expertise will also assist Paddy Power Betfair look after susceptible consumers and establish and strengthen its policies in this promotion code area.

Paddy Power Betfair added it is "eager to learn from the fantastic work the Samaritans already do, in order to continually enhance our accountable 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.

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