A preliminary study on responsible gambling in Singapore : challenges faced while addressing problem gambling in casinos.

• Main Authors: Ting, Teck Wei., Wong, Sook Lai., Yeo, Zixuan.
• Other Authors: Nanyang Business School
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Business::General::Moral and ethical aspects
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/44034
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

With the setting up of the two casinos in 2010, problem gambling has become a main concern for many citizens. The objectives of this report are to examine the National Framework to Address Problem Gambling and identify the challenges faced by Singapore in addressing problem gambling. Although Singapore has implemented a comprehensive plan in tackling problem gambling in casinos, the government still faces challenges. Through our research, we have identified three of them: difficulties in administering family exclusion orders, receptivity towards public education and sustainability of compassionate talents. The administration of family exclusion orders is sensitive especially when human right issues and family ties are involved. The difficulties of proving that a person is a potential problem gambler make it complicated to judge whether an exclusion order should be granted. There is a social stigma against people who seek information on problem gambling. Hence, there are challenges faced in educating the public on problem gambling. People working in the social service sector and National Council on Problem Gambling may face emotional and volunteer fatigue. This makes it difficult to sustain the supply of compassionate talents in this sector. In conclusion, there is no definite solution to address problem gambling. Solutions to questions relating to amount of entry levy and minimum period for exclusion orders remain highly subjective. Additionally, long term vigilance in policing of the social safeguards remains to be tested.