Fewer Singaporeans gamble but spend more, with illegal online gambling on the rise

Fewer Singapore residents are gambling, but those who do are spending more, and a growing number are engaging in illegal online gambling, according to the 2023 National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) survey released on 28 November.

The survey, conducted between July 2023 and March 2024, involved 3,007 residents aged 18 and above, including Singaporeans and permanent residents.

It achieved a 73% response rate, using a stratified sampling method to ensure representation. Findings are subject to a 5% margin of error​.

Gambling participation declines but spending rises

The survey revealed that 40% of respondents participated in at least one form of gambling in the past year, marking a decline from 44% in 2020, 52% in 2017, and 58% in 2005.

However, the median monthly gambling expenditure rose to $25 in 2023, up from $15 in 2020. This amount remains lower than the $30 recorded in 2017​.

Despite reduced participation, gambling behaviour showed consistency in some areas. About 69% of gamblers bet less than once a week, while the remaining 31% bet weekly or more frequently.

Lotteries remained the most popular gambling activity, with 30% of respondents engaging in 4D and 29% in Toto​.

Rise in illegal online gambling

Illegal online gambling saw a notable increase, with 1% of respondents admitting to engaging in such activities, compared to 0.3% in 2020.

This aligns with global trends in online gambling, which is facilitated by the ease of access to illegal platforms. While 92% of gamblers still used legal channels like Singapore Pools, authorities remain vigilant against unregulated activities​.

Since 2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Gambling Regulatory Authority have blocked over 3,800 illegal gambling websites and frozen more than $36 million in payments linked to illegal gambling.

In 2023, police arrested over 450 individuals for illegal gambling, one-third of whom were involved in online platforms​.

Stable problem gambling rates and effective safeguards

The survey reported that the probable pathological and problem gambling (PPG) rate remained stable at 1.1%, with probable pathological gamblers comprising 0.2% and probable problem gamblers making up 1%.

These figures reflect the effectiveness of Singapore’s safeguards, such as the casino entry levy and family exclusion orders​.

Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli told local media, “The decrease in the overall gambling participation rate of Singapore residents, coupled with the low problem gambling rate, indicates that our social safeguards continue to be effective.”

The NCPG also noted that public education efforts have contributed to the declining participation rate. It plans to intensify campaigns highlighting the risks of unregulated platforms, which lack responsible gambling measures​.

The NCPG provides help to about 11,000 individuals annually and urges families and communities to support those struggling with gambling issues.

The National Problem Gambling helpline, at 1800-666-8668, remains available for those in need of assistance​.