SINGAPORE : Applications open on Wednesday for families of problem gamblers to have them barred from casinos under the Family Exclusion Orders.

A Family Exclusion Order is a type of exclusion available within the Casino Exclusion Scheme. It serves as a social safeguard to prevent problem gamblers and those with financial difficulties from entering the casinos at Singapore's two integrated resorts.

The Family Exclusion Order is available to immediate family members such as spouses, children, parents and siblings, including adopted and step relations.

Minors below 21 years of age or are incapacitated due to physical or mental impairment can apply for the Family Exclusion Order with an extended family member or a Minister-appointed person. This is to ensure that their interests are also protected.

All applications must be made in person at the Tanjong Pagar Family Service Centre at 298 Tiong Bahru Road #03-06, Central Plaza. Enquiries and other issues can also be made through the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1800-6-668-668.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has also appointed a Panel of Assessors to consider and decide on the applications.

Under the Casino Control Act, the council can also issue two other types of Casino Exclusion Orders - namely the Self-Exclusion and Third-Party Exclusion to Singaporeans or Permanent Residents (PRs) aged 21 and above.

Details on these will be released in the second half of 2009. - CNA/ls