NCPG launches casino self-exclusion order
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 November 2009 1633 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGAPORE: The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched the self-exclusion order to give individuals the choice to exclude themselves from the two casinos, which are opening early next year, if they think they are prone to compulsive and excessive gambling.

The council said on Thursday that the self-exclusion order allows individuals to review their own gambling habits.

Mildred Tan, chairperson of the Public Sub-Committee, NCPG, said by recognising his or her weakness, the problem gambler is taking the first step towards the road to recovery.

The ban will be valid for a minimum of one year, with the option to opt out after that period or to allow it to continue indefinitely.

Individuals can apply for the exclusion online, through the NCPG website, using a SingPass ID. They can also check if they have any active casino exclusions on the online system.

However, casino exclusion is just part of the solution – the council is also working with industry players to tackle the problem.

Teo Kim Heng, vice president, Sales & Business Development, Singapore Turf Club, said: "Our staff have been trained to understand what problem gambling is about and also to identify those problem gamblers when they appear in our premises, and refer them to the help they can seek."

Those who opt for casino self-exclusion will also be able to apply for voluntary self-exclusion from Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club tele-betting accounts.

So far, 19 individuals have been banned from the casinos since the council launched the family exclusion in June.

It will next launch the third-party exclusion, which prevents those who are in financial difficulties, such as undischarged bankrupts, recipients of Public Assistance and Special Grants, from entering the casinos.


- CNA/so