Fewer S'pore residents gamble, 4D & Toto remain popular: Survey

Gambling participation rates among Singaporean residents aged 18 years and above have fallen to 40 per cent, found the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in its triennial study on gambling activities in Singapore.

This is a decline from the previous two surveys conducted in 2017 and 2020, of 52 per cent and 44 per cent, respectively, said NCPG in a statement published on Nov. 28.

Overall, the probable pathological and problem gambling (PPG) rate has continued to remain low and stable at around 1.1 per cent, added the council.

2023's NCPG survey polled 3,007 Singaporeans and permanent residents to understand the key trends surrounding gambling.

Rise in illegal online gambling

Similar to the previous two surveys, the most popular types of gambling activities continue to be betting on 4D and Toto.

69 per cent of those who made bets on gambling activities did so less than once a week.

Amongst those who do bet, the majority continue to bet through legal channels, with 92 per cent of gamblers betting via Singapore Pools.

However, there has also been a slight increase in illegal online gambling, which has increased from 0.3 per cent in 2020 to one per cent in 2023.

Noting that the increase "aligns with rising global trends", NCPG added that they will "continue to monitor this closely".

Community support is important for a problem gambler's recovery

While the overall situation is "stable," problem gambling remains a "priority" for NCPG, the council said.

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli reiterated the "crucial" role of the community in supporting a problem gambler's recovery, emphasizing how MSF will continue to review safeguards to ensure its effectiveness.

"The decrease in the overall gambling participation rate of Singapore residents, coupled with the low problem gambling rate, indicates that our social safeguards continue to be effective.

MSF will continue to work closely with NCPG and other agencies to review our social safeguards and rehabilitation services, ensuring they remain relevant and effective."

Likewise, the Chairman of the NCPG, Sim Gim Guan, applauded multi-stakeholder efforts to tackle the issue of problem gambling.

"It is heartening that our efforts have contributed towards maintaining Singapore’s low problem gambling rate. We will need to continue to work together, as the harms of problem gambling can be serious, and it affects not just the problem gambler but also the people around the individual," said Sim.

Current measures to deter problem gamblers

Currently, there are numerous "social safeguards" for gambling in Singapore, such as the exclusion and visit limit regime, casino entry levy, and minimum age requirements.

These safeguards are in place to help gamblers manage their betting amounts and to ensure gambling operators implement responsible measures.

Individuals or families who need help can call the NCPG Helpline at 1800-6- 668-668 or use the Webchat service on NCPG's website.

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Top image from Singapore Pools and Canva