Study on Lottery Gambling Addiction and Review of Policy of Not Requiring Identification for Lottery Purchases at Singapore Pools Physical Outlets
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song's inquiry into whether the Ministry has studied lottery addiction and if identification requirements or exclusion orders will be extended to Singapore Pools physical outlets. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that gambling addiction rates remain stable at about 1% and that identification is only required for high-risk activities like casinos or remote gambling. He explained that physical lottery outlets are considered lower risk as they do not facilitate continuous play or easy access from anywhere. Consequently, the exclusion regime does not apply to these outlets, and identification is not required for purchases. The government aims to maintain a balance between allowing limited gambling in controlled environments and protecting the public from potential addiction harms.
Transcript
40 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what studies have the Ministry conducted on the extent of lottery gambling addiction in Singapore; (b) whether the Ministry will review the current policy of not requiring identification for lottery purchases at Singapore Pools physical outlets; and (c) whether self exclusions and family exclusion orders can be extended to these outlets.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The gambling addiction rate in Singapore has remained low and stable. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) conducts the Survey on Participation in Gambling Activities among Singapore Residents to assess the extent and pattern of gambling among adult Singapore residents and ascertain the prevalence of problem gambling. Based on the last three surveys in 2017, 2020 and 2023, the overall probable pathological and problem gambling or gambling addiction rate has remained low and stable at about 1% of the local resident population aged 18 and above.
The exclusion regime is a social safeguard put in place for riskier gambling products, such as casinos, gaming machine rooms and Singapore Pools remote gambling. These are riskier because casinos and gaming machine rooms allow for continuous play, whilst remote gambling makes it easier to access gambling from anywhere. Individuals are thus required to provide identification prior to entering casinos or gaming machine rooms or opening a Singapore Pools remote gambling account.
The exclusion regime does not apply to Singapore Pools' physical outlets because lottery purchases at physical outlets pose lower risks. Consequently, individuals are not required to provide identification for lottery purchases at these outlets.
This is reflective of our overall approach that recognises that there will always be some level of gambling, while ensuring that problem gambling remains under control. We will continue to maintain the balance between allowing limited gambling in a controlled environment and protecting individuals, families and society from the harms of problem gambling through our social safeguards.