Limits for casino-goers

 

At the Resorts World Sentosa casino, which is likely to open in the first quarter, a patron who asks for the service can decide how much money he wishes to carry with him, then deposit his belongings in a security locker. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

 

Voluntary service is among new initiatives to curb problem gambling

By Melissa Sim 

CASINO patrons in Singapore will be able to declare how much money they are prepared to lose before they even step up to a gaming table.

Once they reach that loss limit, they may need to stop gaming or see a counsellor if they wish to continue, among other options in the pre-commitment systems that the two casinos will be required to implement.

This was one of several new initiatives announced yesterday by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to prevent the undesirable social consequences that may arise from having the casinos. 

It also announced that Singaporean punters and permanent residents can play only with cash, unless they are premium players who have deposited $100,000 before playing. 

The voluntary loss-limit system will be implemented to prevent gamers from getting 'too emotional' and carried away, said the NCPG on Friday. 

In casinos in Australia, once patrons have reached that loss-limit, they will not be allowed to continue playing. 

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.
simlinoi@sph.com.sg