Question
Mr Seah Kian Peng
Marine Parade GRC
To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry can consider extending the consolidated application form for casino self-exclusions used for foreign workers to that for local workers and religious organisations to enable the signing up of groups of citizens using the same consolidated application form.
Answer
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) administers a self-exclusion system for individuals who wish to voluntarily exclude themselves from the casinos.
Today, Singapore residents can make an application online using their SingPass accounts, which is a fast and effective way to exclude themselves. To make the process more convenient for those without online access, since September last year, NCPG has made available an option for applicants to mail in hard copy applications. The forms are available at community organisations that provide problem gambling counselling and help services, the casinos, jackpot rooms in selected clubs, and the NCPG website. NCPG is making efforts to make the forms available at more locations.
For foreign workers who have no SingPass accounts, NCPG has provided the option of group submission. This is done through the Work Permit Online account where employers submit a consolidated application form bearing the signatures of the applicants.
Self-exclusion must be premised on individual decision, ownership and responsibility. The Council will work with employers and other relevant organisations to assess the feasibility of having group applications, while preserving the principles of individual decision, ownership and responsibility.
