TLDR Foreign worker exclusions from Singapore Pools online betting jumped to about 24,000 in 2024, up from around 4,100 in 2022. Jackpot machine room exclusions rose to about 28,000 in 2024, compared with roughly 5,100 in 2022. Casino exclusions stayed steady at about 155,000 foreigners per year, making up 13% of foreign work permit holders. Employers filed two thirds of casino exclusion requests, often before gambling problems start. Financial strain from recruitment loans can push some migrant workers toward gambling as a way to earn fast money.
Foreign workers in Singapore are being excluded from more types of gambling activity. The National Council on Problem Gambling says the rise does not mean problem gambling itself is growing.
New figures show about 24,000 foreigners were barred from Singapore Pools’ online betting in 2024. Another 28,000 were excluded from jackpot machine rooms.
Both numbers are close to five times higher than in 2022. Casino exclusions did not follow the same pattern.
Casino exclusions have stayed steady at around 155,000 foreigners each year. Work permit holders make up about 90% of that group.
Employers Are Driving The Increase
Exclusions can be requested by a worker or applied by an employer with the worker’s consent. Once approved, the exclusion usually lasts at least one year.
NCPG chairman Sim Gim Guan said employers have been allowed to request a wider range of gambling exclusions since 2022. Employers filed about two thirds of casino exclusion applications.
Foreign workers do not have to pay the $150 casino levy that applies to citizens and permanent residents. The NCPG also offers self-exclusion options and gambling education programs.
Professor Laavanya Kathiravelu of Nanyang Technological University said the rise is linked to more companies making voluntary exclusion a condition of employment. She said the process can benefit both
Leave a Reply