Clubs Licensed to Operate Jackpot Machines

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) if he can provide an update on the number of clubs licensed to operate jackpot machines that have adopted a responsible gaming code; (b) whether an Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) system is allowed inside these jackpot rooms; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider standardising the minimum age for entry to such clubs and Singapore Pools with that of the casinos that is currently set at 21 years old.

Permits for the private jackpot clubs are regulated by MHA under the Private Lotteries Act. Thirteen out of 73 private jackpot clubs have voluntarily adopted the Responsible Gambling Code of Practice introduced by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in 2007. These 13 clubs operate about 35% of all jackpot machines in such clubs.

SPF's permit conditions for the clubs do not disallow the Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) system inside the jackpot rooms. We do not have data on the number or percentage of clubs with the EFTPOS system.

The Government and the NCPG are committed to raise the standard of responsible gambling and to minimise problem gambling in Singapore. MSF and MHA are working together to review the regulatory framework and social safeguards for non-casino gambling, including the permit conditions, and minimum age for gambling at private jackpot clubs and other gambling venues.

In addition, a Responsible Gambling Forum, comprising gambling industry and community leaders, has been established in April this year to enhance responsible gambling practices across all forms of gambling. It will take stock of existing responsible gambling measures, and discuss what more can be done to protect gamblers, especially the vulnerable.

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