Monday, Mar 16, 2015

Gamblers cool to self-ban scheme

650 people apply within 7 months; counsellors say sign-up rate could be better

PUBLISHED ON MAR 16, 2015 5:50 AM

The voluntary scheme through which Singaporeans can bar themselves from gambling venues includes jackpot rooms. However, only 24 of the 73 operators who run 93 jackpot clubs here are part of the scheme. -- ST PHOTO

BY JANICE TAI

A voluntary scheme which allows Singaporeans to bar themselves from a range of gambling venues, besides the two casinos, is off to a slow start.

From the start of the scheme in May till December last year, about 650 people applied online to be banned from gambling venues such as jackpot rooms.

The number also includes those who want to suspend themselves from having remote betting accounts with major operators such as Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club.

Counsellors from voluntary welfare organisations which help gamblers say the number of sign-ups could have been better.