SINGAPORE: The National Council on Problem Gambling has rolled out a Responsible Gambling Code of Practice, targeted at existing operators and clubs which run jackpot rooms.

The code was launched at the inaugural Problem Gambling Conference on Thursday, with the aim of reducing potential problem gambling among customers.

The code contains practical steps to help operators curb problem gambling.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Community Development, Youth & Sports Minister, said: "The real reason for coming up with this voluntary code was that even as we are fairly sure that we've set some good rules to regulate the two impending integrated resorts, there's been much feedback that we also need to look at the current operators... particularly those that provide gambling facilities, like... the slot machines, and the lotteries. These currently do not operate under a strictly enforced legislative framework."

Under the code, operators are urged to display notices to remind customers not to gamble excessively.

They should also provide problem gambling helplines.

"What I do need is to get the best operators and then let the public know who are these better or best operators, and that in turn will put peer pressure on the others to shape up and improve the practices," said Dr Balakrishnan.

So far, 14 operators, including Singapore Turf Club and Singapore Pools, have agreed to adopt the code.

Said Juliana Lim, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Singapore Pools, "This code formalises the things we've been doing previously, sets the national standards. The only change we expect is that the training of staff now will have to be in accordance with a training programme which they are also developing as well."

The National Council on Problem Gambling is working with the Community Addictions Management Programme at the Institute of Mental Health to design a staff training programme.

Singapore Turf Club has said it will have counsellors to re-train staff to spot potential problem gamblers.

The Council hopes to implement the code in the last quarter of this year.

Also on the cards by the end of the year is the setting up of an international panel of experts on gambling addiction research - to help the government chart effective policies. - CNA/yy