Media Coverage of Large Lottery Wins and Managing Problem Gambling

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Ministry regulates news reporting of large lottery wins to avoid sensationalism and curb the promotion of gambling; (b) if not, how the Ministry reconciles such reporting with the existing framework to minimise problem gambling; and (c) whether the Government has conducted any cost-benefit analysis on the social harm from such reporting against any public interest benefit from the news.

News organisations exercise editorial judgement and discretion when deciding which issues are of interest to their readers, as long as their reporting remains responsible, accurate and within the bounds of the law and applicable content codes. Content on linear television channels and radio must follow content codes that prevent programmes from normalising or encouraging gambling, or providing gambling tips. Members of the public would also give their feedback on the news coverage directly to the relevant news organisations.

For each TOTO draw, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) allows Singapore Pools to publish on its website the jackpot size, the number of winners and where the jackpot winners had purchased their tickets. This ensures transparency in TOTO draw results.

In addition, GRA regulates gambling advertisements to address the social harms associated with lottery gambling. Singapore Pools is required to seek GRA's approval for every gambling advertisement it intends to publish. In making its decision, GRA will consider whether the content may excessively induce gambling or provide misleading information on the probability of winning.

Besides regulating advertising and promotion, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has put in place other social safeguards to mitigate the social harms of gambling, such as prohibiting betting on credit. The National Council on Problem Gambling also conducts regular public education media campaigns and outreach during peak gambling periods, such as Chinese New Year.

GRA and MSF will continue to monitor the lottery gambling situation and review our social safeguards as necessary.