Singapore Prepares Problem Gambling Program As It Opens "Integrated Resorts"

SINGAPORE: Having the right programmes to deal with problem gambling is important when opening an integrated resort with a casino, say addiction experts.

Singapore, which is setting up two integrated resorts with casinos, probably could learn some lessons from the National Responsible Gambling Programme in South Africa.

"Gamble with your head, and not your heart" stickers can be found on the slot machines and roulette tables in South African casinos.

That is just one of the many messages from the country's National Responsible Gambling Programme.

The programme is a public-private collaboration between industry and government and fully funded by the private sector.

It deals with problem gambling, especially since South Africa has more than 30 casinos.

Dr Rodger Meyer, medical director of the National Responsible Gambling Programme, said: "We're able to provide a service to quite a wide spectrum of people who run into problems. One of the problems in South Africa is the multilingual context. We need to provide the service in most languages."

"Studies have shown that the best way to prevent any social fallout from gambling is to have a programme....to educate on the problems of gambling and treat those who run into such problems," he said.

He added that the introduction of legalised gambling without a problem gambling programme is an irresponsible behaviour.

The National Responsible Gambling Programme also has counsellors to man a helpline.

The helpline receives about 3,000 calls every month, with about 100 identified as problem gamblers.

But it's not just gamblers who seek help. Family members also do so.

Barbara Van Der Spny, a National Responsible Gambling Programme's counsellor, said: "We have family programmes. Let's say the spouse or child calls, we would refer the child to a treatment specialist."

"We would help the child or spouse to deal with the problem and in that way help the gambler as it's not only the gambler who is affected, but the whole family," she added.

More of the article reprinted from the ChannelNewsAsia.com website can be read here.