[SINGAPORE] The gambling landscape in Singapore has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with the latest survey revealing a continued decline in gambling participation among residents. This article delves into the findings of the 2023 survey conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), exploring the factors contributing to this trend and its implications for Singapore's social fabric.
Key Findings: A Snapshot of Singapore's Gambling Scene
The 2023 NCPG survey paints a picture of a nation where gambling participation is on a steady decline. Among Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above, only 40% reported engaging in at least one form of gambling activity. This marks a substantial decrease from 52% in 2017 and 44% in 2020, indicating a clear downward trend in gambling participation over the past six years.
Popular Gambling Activities
Despite the overall decline, certain forms of gambling remain popular among Singaporeans:
4D: The most favored gambling activity, with 30% of respondents participating.
TOTO: A close second, attracting 29% of survey participants.
Singapore Sweep and Social Gambling: Both garnered participation from about 8% of respondents.
Frequency of Gambling
The survey also shed light on the frequency of gambling among participants:
- 69% of gamblers bet less than once a week
- 38% bet less than once a month
- 31% bet less than once a week
- 31% bet once or more than once a week1
These figures suggest that while a significant portion of the population engages in gambling, the majority do so infrequently.
Problem Gambling: A Stable Situation
One of the most encouraging aspects of the survey results is the continued low rate of problem gambling in Singapore. The probable rate of pathological and problem gambling remained stable at around 1.1%, compared to 1.2% in 2020 and 0.9% in 2017.
Understanding Problem Gambling
To fully appreciate these figures, it's essential to understand the distinction between problem gambling and pathological gambling:
Problem Gambling: A form of gambling disorder resulting in a wide range of adverse consequences due to gambling activities.
Pathological Gambling: A more severe condition involving a pattern of excessive and destructive gambling behavior.
The NCPG report bases its findings on self-reported behavior rather than clinical assessments, hence the use of the term "probable" when referring to pathological and problem gambling rates.
The Rise of Illegal Online Gambling
While the overall gambling situation in Singapore remains stable, the survey highlighted a concerning trend: a slight increase in illegal online gambling. The latest survey showed a 0.7% rise to 1% in illegal online gambling participation. This aligns with rising global trends and is an area that the NCPG has committed to monitoring closely.
Legal Gambling Channels: The Preferred Choice
Despite the slight uptick in illegal online gambling, the vast majority of Singaporean gamblers continue to favor legal channels. The 2023 survey found that 92% of gamblers bet via Singapore Pools, which has established safeguards in place. This preference for legal gambling channels has remained consistent across the 2017, 2020, and 2023 surveys.
The Role of Social Safeguards
The declining gambling participation rate and the consistently low problem gambling rate are testament to the effectiveness of Singapore's social safeguards. NCPG Chairman Sim Gim Guan emphasized the importance of these measures:
"The NCPG has been working closely with the government and partner agencies to prevent and tackle problem gambling, as well as supporting individuals with problem gambling issues. It is heartening that our efforts have contributed towards maintaining Singapore's low problem gambling rate."
Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli echoed this sentiment, stating:
"The lower gambling participation rate and the low problem gambling rate indicate that social safeguards continue to be effective."
Community Involvement in Problem Gambling Prevention
While government initiatives play a crucial role in addressing problem gambling, the community's involvement is equally important. Minister Masagos highlighted this, saying:
"The community also plays a crucial role by encouraging those affected by problem gambling to seek help and supporting them throughout their recovery journey."
This collaborative approach between government agencies, community organizations, and individuals is key to maintaining Singapore's low problem gambling rates.
Support Services for Problem Gamblers
Singapore has a robust network of agencies providing support services for individuals struggling with problem gambling. These include:
- The Resilienz Clinic (NCPG's appointed agency)
- Adullam Life Counselling
- Blessed Grace Social Services
- One Hope Centre
- The Silver Lining Community Services
- WE CARE Community Services
- National Addictions Management Service at the Institute of Mental Health
Encouragingly, these agencies have reported an increase in young people seeking help for gambling-related issues, which they view as a positive sign of increased awareness and willingness to address the problem.
The Future of Gambling in Singapore
As Singapore continues to navigate the complex landscape of gambling, several key areas will require ongoing attention:
Monitoring Online Gambling: With the slight increase in illegal online gambling, authorities will need to remain vigilant and adapt their strategies to address this evolving challenge.
Enhancing Social Safeguards: While current measures have proven effective, continuous refinement and adaptation of social safeguards will be crucial to maintain low problem gambling rates.
Youth Education: The increase in young people seeking help for gambling issues highlights the need for targeted education and prevention programs for this demographic.
Community Engagement: Strengthening community involvement in problem gambling prevention and support will be essential for long-term success.
Research and Data Collection: Continued research and regular surveys will be vital to understand evolving trends and tailor interventions accordingly.
The declining gambling participation rate among Singapore residents is a positive indicator of the effectiveness of the nation's approach to gambling regulation and problem gambling prevention. However, the slight increase in illegal online gambling and the ongoing presence of problem gambling, albeit at low rates, underscore the need for continued vigilance and adaptive strategies.
As Singapore moves forward, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, community organizations, and individuals will be crucial in maintaining this positive trajectory. By building on the successes of current initiatives while addressing emerging challenges, Singapore can continue to foster a responsible gambling environment that prioritizes the well-being of its residents.
The journey towards minimizing the negative impacts of gambling while allowing for responsible participation is ongoing. With continued dedication to research, prevention, and support, Singapore is well-positioned to maintain its status as a model for effective gambling regulation and problem gambling prevention in the years to come.
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