Singapore gambling participation declined in 2020
A survey found 44 per cent of the respondents gambled at least once during 2020, down from 52 per cent in 2017.
Singapore.- The number of gamblers in Singapore has declined according to a survey conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
The survey also found that probable pathological and problem gambling (PPPG) rates among residents remained low at 1.2 per cent.
The survey was taken by 3,000 Singapore residents aged 18 and above between February and December last year. Singapore conducts a survey every three years to monitor the number of potential problem gamblers.
It found that the average monthly bet declined from SGD30 in 2017 to SGD15 in 2020, while 89 per cent of gamblers bet SGD100 or less monthly and only 0.3 per cent bet more than SGD1,000 per month.
The NCPG said the decline Covid-19 restrictions during the period of the survey could have affected responses.
Tan Kian Hoon, NCPG chairman, said: “To mitigate the risks of online gambling and gambling risks in electronic games, especially amid the pandemic, the NCPG will be stepping up our public education efforts on the risk of problem gambling.
“The NCPG will also continue to work with our partners to ensure that help services continue to remain accessible to everyone.”
Singapore reintroduces Covid-19 restrictions
The government has tightened Covid-19 countermeasures again after the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a rise in cases during the last weeks.
Resorts World Sentosa has confirmed it will work at a reduced capacity until August 18. The casino operator said it has a “two players per table” limit at gaming tables. Bets from standing players will not be accepted.
Analysts predict Genting Singapore’s revenue will be SGD1.74bn (US$1.30bn) in 2021 and almost SGD2.11bn in 2022. In 2020, the company reported revenue of SGD69.2m (US$52.1m), down 89.9 per cent year-on-year.
The other casino venue in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands will remain closed until August 5 after detecting a case of the Covid-19 delta strain.
The company said it had taken the decision to protect the safety of customers and employees while a full cleaning is carried out. All staff members will be tested.
