A Responsible Gambling Forum comprising industry and community leaders has been established to enhance responsible gambling practices across all forms of gambling in Singapore. The suggestion for a Responsible Gambling Forumwas first mooted during the stakeholder consultation conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in July 2012, and had garnered strong support from stakeholders.

Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Social and Family Development, who had supported the idea for such a Forum during the amendments to the Casino Control Act in Nov 2012, has appointed 16 members to the Responsible Gambling Forum (see Annex for the list of members). The Forum will be co-chaired by Mr Tan Soo Nan (Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Pools (Private) Limited) and Mr Patrick Liew (Chairman of Ayer Rajah Citizens’ Consultative Committee).

The Forum will facilitate the community and the gambling industry to exchange information and views to enable shared understanding of societal concerns on responsible gambling and problem gambling, commit to shared ownership and collective action on responsible gambling measures, formulate responsible gambling practices to be implemented by the gambling industry, and monitor, evaluate and improve the effectiveness of responsible gambling practices in Singapore.

Acting Minister Mr Chan Chun Sing commented, “The formation of the Responsible Gambling Forum is a milestone. The collaboration between the community and industry will raise responsible gambling practices across all forms of gambling in Singapore. This will minimise excessive and problem gambling among patrons. I am glad that this Forum has the support and commitment of both the community and gambling operators.”

One of the Responsible Gambling Forum’s co-chairs, Mr Tan Soo Nan said, “I welcome the establishment of a formal dialogue channel for gambling operators and the community to take stock of existing responsible gambling measures, and discuss what more can be done to protect patrons, especially the vulnerable.”

Mr Patrick Liew, who is the other co-chair, added, “I look forward to a meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to exchange views, concerns and expectations for responsible gambling. The Forum will be an excellent platform to foster mutual understanding and collaboration for the greater good of society.”

The Responsible Gambling Forum will convene in mid-2013, and meet quarterly thereafter. The Forum will provide periodic updates to the public on its progress.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
12 APRIL 2013

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Annex

Composition of Responsible Gambling Forum