Singapore is implementing new measures to combat problem gambling that clarify and expand on the current policy of limiting monthly visits to the city’s two casinos by individuals deemed financially vulnerable.
The restrictions, which come into effect 1st June and apply to citizens and permanent residents, will cap visits at a maximum of eight per month and could limit them to one a month. Some 4,000 to 6,000 individuals could be affected, according to news reports.
The restrictions will be of three types: Individuals may apply to the National Council on Problem Gambling for voluntary limits. Family members may apply for limits on a person’s behalf. Lastly, persons found to have poor credit records or are otherwise deemed vulnerable to financial harm due to gambling could have limits imposed on them by a committee of examiners appointed by the council.
The limits will differ from person to person and will vary with circumstances, the council said. Factors such as frequency and number of casino visits, credit record, work situation and information provided by family members all will be taken into consideration. Those affected could also be referred to counseling, rehabilitation or special education.
Once imposed, a restriction will be in force until revocation is approved by the NCPG. Individuals will, however, have the opportunity to object to an involuntary restriction imposed by the council’s examiners.
“There will be no one measure that can fix all the problems but we have to progressively expand our tool box to more measures and more tools to counter the growing number of platforms that our problem gamblers have access to,” said Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing.
