Close to 60% rise in problem gambling cases seen at designated help centres: Chuan-Jin
Main gambling floor of MBS casino in Singapore. Reuters file photo
SINGAPORE — The two designated help centres for problem gambling have seen about 60 per cent more cases between 2012 and 2014 than that between 2009 and 2011, Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin told Parliament today (July 14).
The Thye Hua Kwan Problem Gambling Recovery Centre and the National Addictions Management Service at the Institute of Mental Health saw 2,700 cases in the last three years (2012 – 2014), about 1,000 more than from 2009 to 2011. The former treats the less serious cases while the latter treats the more severe pathological gamblers, said Mr Tan.
He was responding to Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) who asked about the tally of problem gambling cases, the kind of counselling sessions to help problem gamblers and the role of family members and the community in helping overcome problem gambling.
“We’ve looked at the increase and it is primarily due to greater public education efforts which we have stepped up significantly, which have raised awareness on problem gambling and encouraged help-seeking behaviour,” said Mr Tan.
The treatment plan for each problem gambler varies, such as how severely they are addicted, he added. Treatment usually involves a combination of counselling and different types of therapy conducted individually or in a group while psychiatric, financial and legal counselling services may also be extended, Mr Tan said.
Tackling the complex issue of problem gambling requires the combined efforts of personal responsibility, family involvement, community involvement and government support, he added.
While the family is often in the best position to detect signs of problem gambling in their loved ones and encourage them to seek help, Mr Tan said the community can also help affected families access relevant information, resources and services.
For instance, more Family Service Centres have stepped up efforts to train their counsellors and social workers to provide the first line of counselling and assistance when families present problem gambling issues, he added.
