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Singapore's problem gamblers drop to 10-year low

Xinhua, February 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

The proportion of problem gambling in Singapore has fallen to a 10-year low of 0.7 percent of the total population in 2014, a further decrease from 2011's 2. 6 percent, according to the latest Gambling Participation Survey, which is conducted every three years and published on Thursday.

The overall gambling rate of Singapore residents also declined from 47 percent in 2011 to 44 percent last year, mainly due to better awareness of problem gambling and the greater range of help resources available, the survey, which polled 3,000 Singapore residents who are above 18 years old, said.

Despite the drop in its overall rate, there're still problems that need to be dealt with. For example, the survey showed that the number of pathological gamblers is gambling more frequently and at a younger age. Data showed that 83 percent of pathological gamblers do it at least once a week, a dramatic increase from the 68 percent in 2011, and 18 percent have started before 18 years old, up from the 5 percent in 2011.

Many of these "hardcore" gamblers, as explained in the survey, have experienced strained family relations.

In light with the current trend, Minister of Social and Family Development (MSF) Chan Chun Sing said he is concerned about those who are addictive to gambling.

"They seem to be gambling with greater intensity and less self- control, bringing great harm to themselves and their families. Yet many of them do not seek help until it is too late. MSF will work with NCPG (National Council on Problem Gambling) to do more to encourage help-seeking and expand preventive education and support services," he said. Endi