Risk seekers don’t usually consider Singapore a hotspot for betting. However, the industry is still well-developed in the country. First, it’s worth noting that this entertainment is legal, but only one local operator is allowed to provide gambling services to residents and tourists. On the other hand, Singapore has no restrictions for offshore operators entering the market. Punters can enjoy a broad choice of online bookmaker sites, place bets on their favourite sports, and have tons of fun.
The topic of responsible gambling has been gaining popularity in recent years; the trend touched numerous countries, including Singapore. However, it cannot boast such developed betting awareness programs as the UK. Therefore, Singaporean regulatory authorities should consider their foreign colleagues’ experiences and launch a set of initiatives to maintain a responsible approach to this risky entertainment.
Why Do Singaporean Bettors Need Responsible Gambling Tools?
By definition, betting is a risky activity, and a user never knows whether their prediction will work out. Moreover, this pastime is addictive, as there’s often the temptation to deposit once again and try your luck. Such an approach can lead to gambling-related problems, which require immediate intervention. Therefore, operators and regulatory bodies should implement special mechanisms to inform punters of possible consequences and provide ways to eliminate risks. Responsible gambling measures aim to reduce harmful gambling impacts and provide a more transparent environment for everyone engaged in the industry.
UK Case: GamStop
The UK boasts significant success in terms of providing a well-regulated gambling scene. The UKGC, one of the leading licensing bodies globally, implies high standards for all online casinos and sportsbooks under its control. GamStop is among the mandatory tools all licensees must accept. This self-exclusion program helps identify problem bettors and restrict their access to risky platforms. It has already shown efficiency in fighting gambling-related disorders.
However, not all users are satisfied by the possibility of being blocked from online casinos at any moment. So, punters search for alternative platforms and take advantage of non Gamstop betting sites listed here, which provide more freedom and flexibility. A self-exclusion program does not cover these online sportsbooks, so their members must control their actions and be aware of responsible gambling requirements. It’s worth noting that GamStop is not the only available software, so users can utilize its alternatives if noticing the first signs of compulsive behaviours.
Responsible Gambling in Singapore: Where to Start?
The UK can be a perfect example of maintaining a responsible gambling approach in the quickly developing industry landscape. Therefore, Singapore should consider the country’s experience and implement the main principles to guarantee a better environment for punters and betting operators. What are the primary mechanisms that the country’s authorities should use?
National Self-Exclusion Scheme
GamStop, one of the most popular self-exclusion software, has shown its efficiency, as over 80% of its participants reported improved conditions. Therefore, this method of coping with gambling addiction is working. However, not many punters voluntarily engage in the program, preferring to ignore disorders and continue placing sports bets. Making the self-exclusion mandatory for all licensed and regulated platforms can become a perfect solution. In this case, the national scheme will cover all online sportsbooks and identify problem punters. Such an approach will help decrease the number of addicted individuals and improve the overall gambling landscape in Singapore.
Organizations for Problem Gamblers
Many users affected by betting problems seek help and support. Therefore, the availability of appropriate organizations providing help and treatment is required. National helplines and separate authorities should be accessible round-the-clock and offer timely assistance. Moreover, it’s important to increase user awareness of potential gambling-related problems.
The National Council of Problem Gambling is among Singapore's main organizations for problem punters. This body informs users of the risks they take when joining online sportsbooks and provides solutions to cope with addictive behaviours. However, it’s still not as widespread as organizations in the UK, so the country’s government should pay special attention to popularizing the issue. Informing users of possible harm by creating more initiatives like promotional campaigns can help ensure a more transparent environment for all bettors.
Make Gambling Blockers Mandatory
GamStop is not the only self-exclusion software, it has multiple alternatives, including GamCare, Betblocker, and so on. Adding them to sportsbooks’ activities significantly decreases the risk of users being affected by gambling problems. Singaporean controlling authorities should create specific regulations requiring every betting operator to use these tools. Online bookmakers will have more control over their customers’ gambling behaviours and will have the chance to provide timely treatment if necessary.
AI-based tools can help identify user activities on the website and alert them in case of problems. Implementing these mechanisms may be challenging for Singaporean authorities since its betting market is open to offshore operators. However, such an approach will help increase user awareness of potential harms and provide them with all the available measures to cope with the issue.
The Final Word
The high accessibility of online bookmakers in Singapore significantly increases user interest in this entertainment. Risk seekers gladly join offshore platforms, which can freely operate in the country. The popularity of online betting has raised particular challenges that the government and regulatory authorities should address. Implementing more initiatives to inform users of possible harm should be the priority for all market players. Moreover, operators and controlling bodies should increase punters’ awareness of responsible gambling principles and utilize mandatory self-exclusion tools for those affected.
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