Samaritans Criticised Over Paddy Power Betfair Partnership 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 business Paddy Power Betfair. Staff at the group selected Samaritans as their Charity of the Year. But critics - consisting of loved ones of people with gaming issues who took their own lives - say it is risking its reputation by dealing with the company. Both organisations state Samaritans' insight and knowledge will help Paddy Power Betfair improve how it helps vulnerable consumers. The partnership includes activities such as fundraising, corporate contribution and volunteering. Samaritans states it will also 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 ago when he took his own life aged 27 after becoming addicted to gaming, stated that was not a sufficient factor. "I'm incredibly 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 do not think is right. "This market has actually ruined households and ruined lives. "To even think of lying in bed with these people is incorrect and I think they need to reassess it and stop taking their money." Carolyn Harris, chairwoman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm, informed the BBC she had issues about the tie-up. "At finest this is horrible and at worst it's appalling," she stated. "When you see them [Samaritans] aligning themselves to an industry with a reputation for being accountable for suicides through addiction to gambling - it problems me. "For me it legitimises this business.