Fears cashback site deals fuel gambling

CASHBACK websites stand accused of encouraging people to gamble online by offering money back if they sign up to betting sites.

TopCashback and Quidco offer shoppers money back when they use their sites to click through to online retailers. They pay the cashback websites commission for passing on customers, which the websites then give to you. You earn cashback on everything from clothes and DIY purchases to hotel bookings and insurance.

Money Mail has discovered that some of the top-paying deals are for poker sites, online bookies, bingo and lotteries.

Quidco is advertising 80 gambling offers, including up to £150 for customers who place £ 80 in online poker bets. TopCashback has 111 gambling offers.

Marc Etches, of charity GambleAware, says: ‘Problem gamblers struggle with self- control and a cashback incentive makes it more difficult.’

Adam Bullock, of TopCashback, adds: ‘We signpost responsible gambling and include links to advice from GambleAware.’ A Quidco spokesman says: ‘Members can also block gambling offers with two clicks.’