News

Paddy Power Spain bows to pressure on bullfighting bets 13/05/2009

Jon Parker

Paddy Power’s Spanish website is now refusing bets on bullfighting after pressure from campaign groups.

The Irish bookmaker, which is renowned for its novelty bets, received complaints after allowing Spanish customers to bet on how many ears matadors would cut off bulls.

The wagers produced hostility from animal rights campaigners, with the Irish Council Against Blood Sports describing them as "grotesque and in the poorest of taste."

However in an e-mail to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) this month, Paddy Power company secretary David Johnson confirmed that the company has “ceased accepting bets on bullfighting and it is not [the company’s] intention to offer this market again".

PETA Europe Director Robbie LeBlanc said: "Bravo to Paddy Power for distancing itself from a barbaric ritual".

Paddy Power was not available for comment.

Paddy Power is believed to be the only major bookmaker that has accepted bullfighting bets. William Hill media director Graham Sharpe commented: “We never have taken bets of this nature. We were astonished when we heard that another bookmaker was doing so. It is not something we would ever countenance doing.”

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Posted: 13/05/2009

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