Increase in Problem Gambling Assistance Requests to NCPG Ahead of and During FIFA World Cup 2026

37 Mr Foo Cexiang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry has observed an increase in the number of requests for assistance with problem gambling made to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) ahead and during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Requests for assistance with problem gambling received through the National Problem Gambling Helpline (calls and web chats) increased by about 14% in the months of June and July (estimated) 2026, compared to the monthly average in 2026 before the start of the World Cup. This is consistent with historical trends, where the number of individuals receiving counselling for problem gambling from the National Council on Problem Gambling and the National Addictions Management Service was higher during the FIFA World Cup years (2014, 2018 and 2022) than in non-World Cup years. This was why the National Council on Problem Gambling stepped up on the public engagement this year to raise greater awareness about the ills of problem gambling and how individuals can get help.