Accused UK pair plead not guilty to video game gambling offences

Craig Douglas and Dylan Rigby have pleaded not guilty to charges of promoting a lottery and advertising unlawful gambling at a court in the UK.

The pair, believed to be the first people to be charged with offences under the UK Gambling Act, made the plea during a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Friday.

Both men were charged with the main offence, while Douglas, who publishes gaming videos on YouTube under the name ‘Nepenthez’, has also been charged with inviting children to gamble by advertising a betting website connected to popular football video game Fifa.

The websites allow players to win footballers for their collection, which the UK Gambling Commission has referred to as ‘skins' betting.

The national regulatory body recently issued a warning to parents whose children play online video games, saying they can be drawn into betting on 'skins' betting for virtual goods such as weapons or clothes.

The case has been adjourned until February next year.

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