Gambling Addiction in Singapore: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Problem gambling, commonly referred to as gambling addiction, is a severe problem that impacts people, families, and communities all over the world. Gambling is both legal and extensively available in Singapore, where the issue is particularly pervasive.

Around 80% of Singapore’s adult population participates in gambling in some way, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling, while just 1% of people are thought to have a gambling addiction. The nature of problem gambling and gambling addiction will be discussed in this article, along with advice on how to spot, deal with, and stop this detrimental practise.

What is gambling addiction and problem gambling?

Problem gambling and gambling addiction are intricate and varied illnesses that combine psychological, social, and biological elements. While it may start as a harmless pastime, gambling addiction can cause people to have strong cravings to gamble, act impulsively, and participate in dangerous behaviours, all of which can have serious negative effects on their life, family, and mental health.

It is classified as a mental disorder that can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. The impact on one’s financial health can also be severe, leading to debt, bankruptcy, and other financial problems. Beyond the individual level, the societal costs of gambling addiction can also be significant, including higher healthcare costs, increased crime rates, and strain on social services.

As such, it is crucial for governments, communities, and individuals to recognise the dangers of gambling addiction and take steps to prevent and treat it. This includes increasing public awareness, providing support and treatment for those who suffer from addiction, and implementing measures to promote responsible gambling and prevent problem gambling in the first place.

Gambling addiction signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gambling addiction can vary from person to person, but may include:

• Preoccupation with gambling and spending more time and money on it than intended
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired level of excitement
• Restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop or reduce gambling
• Using gambling as a way to escape from problems or relieve negative emotions
• Lying to family and friends about gambling habits
• Borrowing or stealing money to gamble
• Jeopardizing or losing significant relationships, employment, or educational opportunities due to gambling
• Requiring financial assistance from others due to gambling losses

National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in Singapore is a non-profit organisation that is committed to helping individuals and families who are affected by gambling addiction. The NCPG offers a range of services to assist problem gamblers and their loved ones, such as therapy, education, and support programmes.

These programmes are designed to provide effective treatment for those with a gambling problem and medically reviewed to ensure that they are evidence-based and effective. In addition, the NCPG provides recovery support services to help individuals on their journey to addiction recovery.

This support can be crucial for those who are trying to overcome the addictive behaviours associated with problem gambling. By applying best practices in the field of addictive disorders, the NCPG aims to help individuals and families affected by gambling addiction to achieve recovery and regain control over their lives.

With the NCPG’s help, those who are struggling with a gambling problem can find the support they need to break free from the cycle of addiction and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.

– Their Services

A number of services are provided by the NCPG, including as a helpline, counselling, self-exclusion initiatives, and instructional materials. Those who are battling with problem gambling may get confidential, no-cost support from the gambling addiction hotline Singapore, which is open around-the-clock. To assist identify and treat the underlying issues that lead to gambling addiction, counselling services are available for people and families who are affected by problem gambling. 

In addition to their helpline and counselling services, the NCPG also offers online therapy to individuals who are affected by problem gambling but are unable to attend in-person sessions. These virtual therapy sessions are designed to provide flexible and convenient treatment options for those who may not be able to attend traditional counselling sessions.

The goal of these services is to help individuals identify and treat the underlying issues that contribute to their gambling problem and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to achieve long-term recovery.

For those who require more intensive treatment, the NCPG can refer individuals to specialised treatment programmes for gambling dependence.

Through these programmes, individuals receive a comprehensive range of services, including individual and group counselling, family therapy, and medication management, all of which are designed to address the complex issues associated with gambling addiction. With these resources and support systems in place, individuals who are affected by problem gambling can take steps to overcome their dependence.

There are also self-exclusion programmes available to assist problem gamblers in voluntarily avoiding land-based casinos and internet gambling platforms. With the purpose of raising awareness and preventing problem gambling, educational tools, such as workshops and seminars, are provided.

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)

Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is in charge of overseeing and resolving matters relating to gambling there. MSF works with other governmental organisations, business stakeholders, and community partners to establish policies and initiatives that aid in the prevention of problem gambling and offer assistance to individuals who are impacted by it as part of its objective to promote responsible gambling practises.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), which acts as the primary coordinating agency for problem gambling prevention and treatment in Singapore, is one of MSF’s major projects. The NCPG collaborates closely with MSF and other organisations to educate the public about the dangers of gambling and offer support to those who need it most.

MSF has also put in place a number of measures to control gambling in Singapore. Online gambling is illegal under the Remote Gambling Act, which was established in 2014 and is intended to stop unregulated remote gambling enterprises.

Besides with overseeing the operations of authorised casinos and other gambling businesses around the nation, MSF also sets tough rules and regulations to encourage safe gambling habits.

Some Causes of Problem Addiction

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of gambling addiction. Here are three common risk factors:

a. Psychological Factors

One risk factor for developing a gambling habit is having mental health issues including depression, anxiety, stress, and others. If you’re struggling with feelings or circumstances that are tough to cope with, gambling might be a way to escape.

b. Environmental Factors

The environment in which a person is raised can also influence the emergence of a gambling issue. Young people who are exposed to gambling may be more susceptible to being addicted later in life. Also, those who reside in places with a lot of casinos or other gambling businesses may be more susceptible to problem gambling.

c. Biological Factors

Due to biological variables including heredity, some people may be more likely to get addicted to gambling. According to research, some genes may be linked to a higher risk of addiction.

Self-Help for Gambling Problems

An individual with a gambling issue might try to recover control of their conduct in a number of ways. A few self-help techniques for problem gamblers are included below:

1. Admitting the Problem – The first step is recognizing and admitting that a problem exists. This can be difficult, but it is an important first step.
2. Setting Limits – Setting limits on time and money spent gambling can help individuals regain control over their behavior. This can include setting a budget, setting time limits, and avoiding triggers that may lead to excessive gambling.
3. Seeking Support – Joining a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, can be a helpful way to connect with others who are going through similar struggles. It can also provide a sense of accountability and support.
4. Developing Coping Skills – Developing healthy coping skills to deal with stress and difficult emotions is also important. This can include exercise, mindfulness practices, and spending time with friends and family.

Different Ways To how to stop gambling addition

Self-Exclusion

A programme called self-exclusion enables people to actively exclude themselves from casinos. This can be a good strategy for getting rid of temptation.

Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be an effective treatment for individuals struggling with problem gambling. This type of therapy involves helping individuals to identify and change their negative thoughts and behaviours related to gambling, and to learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage their urges to gamble.

While traditionally delivered in-person, CBT is increasingly being offered online, making it more accessible to individuals who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions due to geographical or other barriers.

In addition to providing treatment for the individual with the gambling problem, CBT can also be helpful in addressing the impact of problem gambling on family members and loved ones. Through family therapy sessions, family members can learn how to provide support and encouragement to the individual seeking treatment, and how to set healthy boundaries to avoid enabling problem gambling behaviour.

By using evidence-based therapies like CBT, individuals and their families can work together to tackle the root causes of problem gambling and get their lives back on track.

Medications

Certain drugs, such mood stabilisers and antidepressants, may be beneficial for those who have a gambling addiction. These drugs can aid in treating underlying mental health problems that might be causing the addiction.

Lifestyle Changes

Developing healthy lifestyle habits can be an important part of the recovery process for individuals with gambling issues. In addition to seeking professional treatment and support, making positive changes in one’s daily life can help to reinforce healthy behaviours and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities that bring joy and satisfaction can help individuals to reconnect with their support systems and feel a greater sense of belonging and connection. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can also be beneficial, as they promote physical health and well-being, and can improve mood and reduce stress.

By incorporating healthy habits into their daily routine, individuals with gambling issues can build a strong foundation for recovery and feel more in control of their lives. With the support of family and friends, and the adoption of healthy lifestyle adjustments, individuals with gambling issues can begin to heal and regain a sense of hope and optimism for the future.

Gambling Addiction Treatment

Can gambling addiction be cured? Yes, there are several techniques to cure gambling addiction, just like there are for treating any other addiction. The following are a few of the popular therapies for gambling addiction:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This type of therapy is often used to treat gambling addiction. CBT is a talk therapy that helps the patient identify negative thoughts and behaviors and replaces them with positive ones.
• Self-exclusion – This involves voluntarily banning oneself from entering a casino or gambling establishment.
• Medication – Some medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, are used to treat gambling addiction.
• Support groups – Gamblers Anonymous is a support group for individuals who struggle with gambling addiction. This group provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, receive support, and gain insights from others who are struggling with the same issue.

How to Help Someone Stop Gambling?

Knowing how to assist a loved one who is suffering from a gambling addiction might be difficult. The following actions can be taken to assist someone in quitting gambling:

• Educate yourself – Learn as much as you can about gambling addiction to better understand what your loved one is going through.
• Offer support – Let your loved one know that you are there for them and offer support without judgment.
• Encourage treatments for gambling addiction – Encourage your loved one to seek professional help for their addiction.
• Set boundaries – Set clear boundaries with your loved one and stick to them.

Prevention of Problem Gambling

Prevention is always preferable to treatment. These are a few strategies to stop compulsive gambling:

• Set a budget – Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose.
• Avoid alcohol – Alcohol impairs judgment, so it’s best to avoid drinking while gambling.
• Take breaks – Take frequent breaks to avoid getting too caught up in the game.
• Find other activities – Engage in other activities that you enjoy to avoid becoming too reliant on gambling.

Hotlines and Support Groups on Online Gambling Problem in Singapore

There are several hotlines and support groups accessible in Singapore if you or someone you know is suffering from a gambling addiction. You can call the following gambling addiction number hotlines and support organisations for assistance:

1. National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline – 1800-6-668-668
2. The Cabin Singapore – +65 6978 2641
3. WE CARE Community Services – +65 6471 5346

Conclusion

In conclusion, gambling addiction is a significant problem that many people in Singapore face. Knowing the warning signs and gambling addiction symptoms is essential, as is reaching out for support if you or someone you know needs it.

Keep in mind that gambling addiction is curable, and that recovery is attainable with the correct support and care.

Contact one of the hotlines or support groups on the above list if you or someone you know needs assistance with a gambling addiction help. Don’t forget to look out Bettingvalley.co, Singapore’s premier source for information on online casinos and casino games.

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