Question:
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether illegal gambling activities tend to increase sharply during the World Cup period; and (b) whether the Ministry intends to push out problem gambling advertisements and messages with more frequency during the period of the World Cup 2022.
Answer:
Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:
1. The Ministry of Home Affairs has indeed observed an increase in illegal football betting during major international football tournaments, including the World Cup. In anticipation of this, the Police have stepped up enforcement efforts during this World Cup 2022 period. The Police are also working with various stakeholders to disable telephone lines that are reported to be used for advertising illegal gambling activities, block access to illegal gambling content and websites, as well as close bank accounts involved with illegal gambling activities. The National Crime Prevention Council has launched a campaign to warn the public about the risks of betting with illegal operators.
2. In addition, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched a new campaign to caution the public on excessive football betting. The NCPG video is screened before and during football matches on television. There will also be advertisements on radio, newspaper, and social media platforms.
3. Ultimately, however, individuals must exercise personal responsibility. Family members and friends should also look out for people close to them who may be affected by problem gambling, and encourage them to seek help by calling the NCPG Helpline (1800-6-668-668) or Webchat (www.ncpg.org.sg).
