*presses laugh button*
National Council on Problem Gambling rolls out code of
practice
By Foo Siew Shyan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 05 July 2007 1910
hrs
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National Council on Problem Gambling rolls out code of
practice
SINGAPORE: The National Council on Problem Gambling has rolled out
a Responsible Gambling Code of Practice, targeted at existing
operators and clubs which run jackpot rooms.
The code was launched at the inaugural Problem Gambling Conference
on Thursday, with the aim of reducing potential problem gambling
among customers.
The code contains practical steps to help operators curb problem
gambling.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Community Development, Youth & Sports
Minister, said: "The real reason for coming up with this voluntary
code was that even as we are fairly sure that we've set some good
rules to regulate the two impending integrated resorts, there's
been much feedback that we also need to look at the current
operators... particularly those that provide gambling facilities,
like... the slot machines, and the lotteries. These currently do
not operate under a strictly enforced legislative framework."
Under the code, operators are urged to display notices to remind
customers not to gamble excessively.
They should also provide problem gambling helplines.
"What I do need is to get the best operators and then let the
public know who are these better or best operators, and that in
turn will put peer pressure on the others to shape up and improve
the practices," said Dr Balakrishnan.
So far, 14 operators, including Singapore Turf Club and Singapore
Pools, have agreed to adopt the code.
Said Juliana Lim, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility,
Singapore Pools, "This code formalises the things we've been doing
previously, sets the national standards. The only change we expect
is that the training of staff now will have to be in accordance
with a training programme which they are also developing as
well."
The National Council on Problem Gambling is working with the
Community Addictions Management Programme at the Institute of
Mental Health to design a staff training programme.
Singapore Turf Club has said it will have counsellors to re-train
staff to spot potential problem gamblers.
The Council hopes to implement the code in the last quarter of this
year.
Also on the cards by the end of the year is the setting up of an
international panel of experts on gambling addiction research - to
help the government chart effective policies. - CNA/yy
