Measures Taken to Promote Responsible Gambling

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Government is satisfied with the measures taken by the two current IR operators and local operators (Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club) in promoting responsible gambling; and (b) what is the extent in terms of absolute quantum and percentage of revenue from such operations that these operators have respectively contributed to local community and social causes.

Under the Casino Control (Responsible Gambling) Regulations, the casino operators are required to implement a Responsible Gambling Programme that meets minimum standards. This has taken effect from 1 January 2014. The programme covers areas, such as pre-commitment or voluntary loss limit, operator-imposed casino exclusion, patron education and employee training on responsible gambling and intervention for problem gambling. The authority conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure that the programme at each casino is implemented effectively. Disciplinary action may be taken if the operators do not comply with the requirements. To date, no such action has been taken.

Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club are adoptees of the Responsible Gambling Code of Practice introduced by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Both operators have in place responsible gambling measures, such as self-exclusion, employee training and patron education, that meet industry standards. Singapore Pools has also achieved Level 4 Certification – the highest tier – of the World Lottery Association Responsible Gaming Framework Certification Programme. MSF will continue to work closely with the operators through the Responsible Gambling Forum, to raise responsible gambling standards across the gambling industry.

The casino operators, as part of their corporate social responsibility, continue to contribute towards local community and social causes. Some of the voluntary organisations which have benefited from their contributions include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Metta School, the Singapore Association for the Deaf, self-help groups and the Community Chest. Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club contribute their surplus to community and charitable causes through the Singapore Totalisator Board. Details of these contributions can be found on its website.