A controversial game of ‘commentator bingo’ was cancelled at the last minute after viewers, twitter users and even MPs branded it disgraceful.
Bingo buzz words
The commentator bingo game was the brainchild of Sky Bet, and the aim of the game was to allow punters to place bets on various words they thought would be spoken by commentators during premiership footballs games. Sky Bet is not in any way associated with Sky Sports (which was sold off some time ago), but they do own Sky Casino, Sky Casino Live, Sky Bingo, Sky poker and Sky Vegas. The fact they created and encouraged players to bet, was called out as ‘disgraceful’ especially due to the fact that such a bingo game could be so easily manipulated and rigged by both sky and the pundits involved.
Twitter backlash
Moments before the commentator bingo game began, Sky Bet pulled it after it was receiving backlash. One Twitter user named Vizzy said “If anything, the @GamRegGB (gambling regulator) needs to look into Sky Bet’s ‘Commentator Bingo’. It’s disgraceful and can easily be manipulated by Sky.” Labour MP and Chair of the Gambling Related Harm Parliamentary Party also berated the idea: “Where are the limits? What are the boundaries on what these companies are going to take a bet on? I am aghast that they try to find a betting opportunity in every minute of the day.” Even Football pundit and BBC commentator, Gary Linekar waded in on the debate saying “Never mind Sky Bet opening a market of ‘commentator bingo’ for Sunday’s match between Liverpool and Manchester United. Big questions need to be asked on how football has allowed itself to become so beholden to the betting industry.”
Gambling Legislation Review
These bingo variations are perfectly legal in the UK, and the current gambling laws and legislations are currently under review by the Government. Although bingo is seen as less problematic that other forms of betting, this latest backlash may now bring bingo under more scrutiny.