The Singapore Pools online betting service was launched today (25 Oct). The other gaming company which was granted exemption from the Remote Gambling Act (RGA), Singapore Turf Club, said that it plans to launch its online service on 15 Nov.
Punters can now place bets for 4D and Toto, as well as sports such as football and Formula 1 on Singapore Pools online. However, casino-style games such as blackjack and poker are not allowed.
One simply has to be 21 and above to sign up. The patron also has to go to a physical outlet for identity verification.
SINGAPORE POOLS ONLINE BETTING SYSTEM
Several Members of Parliament, as well as religious groups have voiced their reservations about the exemptions granted to the two betting companies, Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club. The government has responded to the criticisms and said that having a “managed space” for online gambling will allow the Government to provide a “safer alternative” for those who wish to place bets online.
Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin said that the Government measures will not eradicate the problem of remote gambling, and so there is a need for a controlled outlet valve, that’s provided for by the law. The Minister believes that in such a space, those that want to gamble can perhaps be in a safer space because organized crime will be removed from the picture. And also because safety measures can be put in place to try to manage the problem actively.
ADVERSELY AFFECT FINANCES
The Minister’s comments drew sharp criticisms from several quarters. Some have questioned if it is the same approach the Government would take to other problems which plague society.
People who have a gambling problem may see the Singapore Pools online betting service as less of a big deal because they can hide behind a screen and stay at home. However, it’s more addictive because it’s easier to hide and may adversely affect the finances of the individual and the family.
Online betters may not realize they have a problem because it’s not disrupting their lives in terms of work and social activities. Friends and family members may not even be aware that their loved one gambles, and therefore can’t help them quit.
HOW TO CLAIM A WINNING TICKET?
Only the bearer of the winning ticket can claim the monies from any of SG Pool’s outlets. For E-Ticket prizes amounts up to $5,000, you may request the claim at our E-Ticket enabled outlets (currently available at Funan Mall and Tanjong Pagar Branch). For each transaction you may claim up to $200,000 with multiple E-Tickets of prize amounts up to $5,000.
HOW TO KICK THE GAMBLING HABIT?
Gambling problems can happen to anyone from any walk of life. Your gambling goes from a fun, harmless diversion to an unhealthy obsession with serious consequences. Whether you bet on sports, scratch cards, roulette, poker, or slots—in a casino, at the track, or online—a gambling problem can strain your relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster. You may even do things you never thought you would, like running up huge debts or even stealing money to gamble.
Gambling addiction—also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, or gambling disorder—is an impulse-control disorder. If you’re a compulsive gambler, you can’t control the impulse to gamble, even when it has negative consequences for you or your loved ones. You’ll gamble whether you’re up or down, broke or flush, and you’ll keep gambling regardless of the consequences—even when you know that the odds are against you or you can’t afford to lose.
Of course, you can also have a gambling problem without being totally out of control. Problem gambling is any gambling behavior that disrupts your life. If you’re preoccupied with gambling, spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or gambling despite serious consequences in your life, you have a gambling problem.
A gambling addiction or problem is often associated with other behavior or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer from substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, you’ll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well.
Although it may feel like you’re powerless to stop gambling, there are plenty of things you can do to overcome the problem, repair your relationships and finances, and finally regain control of your life.
If you know someone with a massive gambling addiction, you can call the hotline at NCPG
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