Singapore:
Families will soon be able to apply to ban their loved ones from the 46 Jackpot rooms and the betting account at Singapore Pools for games like football and 4-D when the Gambling Control Bill comes into effect later in the year.
The Bill will become law when it is passed. It will be an offense for anyone who is prohibited by their family from gambling in any of these jackpot rooms or opening an account online with Singapore Pools.
You can get a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
On February 14, the Gambling Control Bill (and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Bill) were introduced to Parliament. They seek to fix the blurring between gaming and gambling and how the Internet has made it easier for people to gamble.
All tenants and occupiers of the Public Rental Scheme (which provides highly subsidized housing board rental housing for low-income Singaporeans) will be automatically barred from casinos, jackpot rooms, and the opening of a Singapore Pools online gambling account.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) stated that this is done to minimize the negative effects of gambling on their families.
These residents of rental apartments will be joining those who receive government social assistance and subsidies, such as ComCare and undischarged bankruptcy, among others, which are currently prohibited.
The new family exclusion order bans those not allowed to gamble at any of the three gambling venues – online, in jackpot rooms, and at Singapore Pools.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs, there are currently two casinos and 46 jackpot rooms in this area.
A spokesperson for MSF stated that a committee of assessors would decide on family exclusion orders. This committee will consider factors like gambling frequency and the family’s financial situation.
MSF spokesperson added that the National Council on Problem Gambling could also older people whose families have been excluded from seeking counseling or rehabilitation.
Operators of Singapore Pools and Jackpot Rooms will be subject to disciplinary action by the Gambling Regulatory Authority. A spokesperson for the MSF said that this new body would regulate all forms of gambling if they allowed people prohibited from entering or gambling.
However, anyone barred from placing bets can still make them in person at the Singapore Pools outlets.
The MSF spokesperson states, “This is because Singapore Pools outlets offer an avenue for individuals that may otherwise turn illegal lottery and sports betting.”
MSF stated that until the Gambling Control Bill is passed, the family can apply for a Casino Family Exclusion Order. Singapore Pools and Jackpot Rooms will ban the individual from all their products.
Counselors for gambling addicts say allowing their families to request to bar their loved ones is crucial. This can be done even without the consent of the addict, who is unlikely to file for a self-exclusion order.
Blessed Grace Social Services’ executive director, Mr. Billy Lee, stated that the family exclusion order allows families to force their loved ones into addressing their gambling problems.
Tham Yuen Han, executive director of We Care Community Services, stated that allowing loved ones not to open or bet on an online Singapore Pools account was necessary because gamblers are now more frequent online and placing bigger bets online casino bonus.
Addicts can lose thousands of dollars to millions on gambling games like football and jackpot. They also borrow money from licensed money lenders and loan sharks. Counselors warn that gambling can also cause severe damage to a person’s family.
We Care Community Services consulted a senior professional in his 50s who lost half a million dollars while betting on his Singapore Pools online accounts.
According to Ms. Tham, his gambling addiction grew as he was more stressed at work during the pandemic.
He owed more than $400,000 to licensed money lenders and banks and became suicidal. His family paid most of his debt, but he needed help to quit gambling.
