It has been almost two years since the two casinos started operations. Before that, Singaporeans have had other local and foreign, as well as online channels for gambling.
As is consistent with Singapore's public policy stance, the experience of other countries has also been to take the long view in thinking about harm minimisation measures towards gambling. There is an appreciation of the time it takes for measures to minimise problem gambling and its associated effects to work. It is however useful to discuss, and perhaps review and refine the Singapore regime based on comparative experience elsewhere.
To that end, two overseas experts on this issue will share with us their views on responsible gaming and gambling harm minimisation measures.
Among the topics to be discussed:
- Most problem gambling and addiction studies and programmes have their origins in the more developed "Western" countries. We have sufficient evidence that Asians gamble more; Asian values and tolerance towards gambling is significantly different from Western values. Is it possible to adopt and adapt "Western" models? What paradigm shifts might be needed to talk about harm minimisation measures? What are the gaps in research and information which we need to plug?
- What are the unique features of Singapore casinos which may help in formulating harm minimisation? Are more and more casino exclusion orders helping or driving those at risk into underground gambling run by loan shark syndicates? Is it better to have problem gamblers registered so that at least we know who they are, and can reach out to them?
- All citizens/permanent residents (PRs) need to register to enter the casinos. Hence we know how many times and how long each and every one of them is in there. Can we formulate some outreach programmes to reach out to those at risk, since we know who they are? What sorts of programmes are suitable and effective?
Are formal legalistic measures appropriate or helpful in reducing harm? Are there other measures which are more effective?
Please click here to view the programme.
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