Gambling addiction hard to beat

Illegal online gambling continues to be a problem in Singapore

Between 2020 and 2022, an average of 800 to 1,000 problem gamblers sought help each year from various agencies in Singapore. Approximately half of these individuals had been involved in illegal online gambling. These statistics were provided by Sim Gim Guan, the chairman of Singapore’s National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), who considered cases from Resilienz Clinic, the Institute of Mental Health’s National Addictions Management Service, and community-based social service agencies.

Illegal online gambling remains popular due to the convenience and variety of games available on these sites, as well as the opportunity for higher odds. Sim highlighted that these illegal sites do not enforce responsible gambling measures, leading to a higher incidence of problem gambling.

Despite the Singapore government’s efforts to combat illegal gambling, it continues to be a persistent issue. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has blocked over 1,900 remote gambling websites and more than 260 bank accounts. It also worked with financial providers to prevent approximately 115,000 credit card transactions. Since its establishment in August 2022, the GRA has received about 70 reports related to illicit remote gambling services.

The GRA acknowledged the challenges posed by the borderless nature of the internet, making it easy for illegal gambling operators to target users in Singapore. Technology allows these operators to create multiple websites offering the same unlawful services, rendering them difficult to block.

Singapore Pools, the only licensed operator for lotteries and sports betting in the country, offers a variety of betting options. The Tote Board and Singapore Pools emphasized their commitment to responsible operations, with the majority of revenue being redistributed towards prize payouts, gambling duties, taxes, and community projects.

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Not all illegal gambling websites are on the authorities’ radar. Some of these sites enable access to online casinos without the need for a virtual private network (VPN). They offer various games and accept cryptocurrency deposits as well as credit card payments.

Dr. Munidasa Winslow highlighted the potential dangers of online gambling, emphasizing the ease with which money can be lost and the subsequent accumulation of debts. He noted that younger individuals tend to be more susceptible to online gambling addiction and that seeking help for gambling addiction can be challenging.

Problem gamblers who seek help often do so at the encouragement of their families, especially after incurring significant debts. Managing gambling urges and identifying triggers are crucial components of recovery. Khor Hui Yin, a counselor at Resilienz Clinic, shared her experience in helping problem gamblers cope with triggers and adjust to lifestyle changes.

Gambling addiction can have severe consequences, including financial difficulties, mental health issues, and strained relationships. Recognizing the signs of gambling addiction is important in addressing the problem.