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Addicted to Betting? Signs of a Gambling Problem and Where to Get Help in Singapore
November 6, 2026
Written and clinically reviewed by Adjunct Professor Dr Prem Kumar Shanmugam, founder of Solace Asia. November 2026.
Key takeaways
- Being addicted to betting is a recognised condition, gambling disorder, diagnosed when at least four warning signs, such as chasing losses, appear within a year.
- In Singapore’s latest national survey (2023), 40% of adult residents had gambled in the past year and about 1.1% had a probable gambling problem.
- Illegal online betting rose from 0.3% to 1% of residents between 2020 and 2023, and betting with an unlicensed operator is an offence.
- A spouse, parent, child or sibling can apply for a Family Exclusion Order to bar a family member from the casinos and Singapore Pools online betting.
- Start with the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1800-6-668-668, open 8am to 11pm daily; you can stay anonymous.
Quick answer
If you are addicted to betting, the urge to bet keeps beating the limits you set. You bet more than you planned, chase losses, hide it or borrow, even as money, work and family suffer. Doctors call this gambling disorder, and it can be treated (American Psychiatric Association, May 2024). In Singapore, start with the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1800-6-668-668.
What being addicted to betting looks like
The American Psychiatric Association describes gambling disorder as repeated betting that carries on despite causing problems in several areas of life, with at least four signs from its list in the past year (APA, May 2024). In plain words:
- thinking about betting much of the time
- needing bigger stakes for the same excitement
- trying to cut back, and failing
- feeling restless or irritable when you stop
- betting to escape stress or low mood
- going back to win back what you lost
- lying about how much you bet
- putting a job, studies or a relationship at risk
- relying on others to cover gambling debts
Singapore’s National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) adds missed work and family commitments, and growing debt (NCPG, 2026). Gambling can also change the brain’s reward system, which is part of why gambling is an addiction.
Chasing losses, and how to stop chasing them
Chasing appears on both the APA and NCPG lists. After a loss, the next bet feels like the way out, so stakes rise and the hole deepens. If you are wondering how to stop chasing losses, self-exclusion (below) removes easy access, and a helpline counsellor is someone to call when the urge peaks.
The effect on work and family
The World Health Organization lists money stress, relationship breakdown, family violence and child neglect among gambling’s harms, and estimates that each person gambling at high-risk levels affects about six others. It cites a Swedish study in which people with gambling disorder were 15 times more likely to die by suicide (WHO, December 2024). In one Singapore study, three in four adults recognised gambling disorder, and most believed people who get the right help can fully recover, though stigma was common (Journal of Gambling Studies, November 2025).
| Sign | What it can look like | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chasing losses | Bigger bets after a losing weekend | Call 1800-6-668-668 before the next bet |
| Hiding or lying | Secret accounts, vague answers about money | Talk to a helpline counsellor; family can call too |
| Borrowing | Cash advances, loans from friends, unpaid bills | Credit Counselling Singapore, 6225 5227 |
| Talk of suicide | Saying they feel trapped or a burden | Samaritans of Singapore, 1767 (24 hours) |
Gambling addiction in Singapore: what the latest figures show
NCPG’s latest published survey (2023) polled 3,007 residents aged 18 and over. Some 40% had gambled in the past year, down from 44% in 2020 and 52% in 2017, and the probable problem gambling rate held at about 1.1% (Mothership, November 2024). 4D and Toto were the most popular. Illegal online gambling rose from 0.3% to 1%; Billy Lee of Blessed Grace Social Services said the true figure is likely higher, and counsellors said many addicted gamblers bet illegally on football (The Straits Times, November 2024).
Singapore Pools is the only operator the Gambling Regulatory Authority licenses for remote gambling under the Gambling Control Act 2022. Betting with an unlicensed operator can bring a fine of up to S$10,000, up to six months in jail, or both (GRA, 2026).
Sports betting and online gambling addiction
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup (11 June to 19 July), the Government stepped up enforcement and NCPG ran its “Every bet costs something” campaign. NCPG chairman Sim Gim Guan warned that out-of-control betting can cost people their home, relationships and family’s trust (MHA, June 2026). From 1 May to 20 July, police arrested or investigated 60 people over illegal online gambling or bank account misuse (AsiaOne, July 2026).
Sports betting addiction often surfaces around big tournaments. One Hope Centre counsellor Ho Mi Nie said a sense of expertise drives people to raise their bets, and her centre usually sees more clients after events like the World Cup (The Straits Times, June 2026). More in sports gambling: a controversial issue.
“Many actually think that their bets are based on skill rather than luck.”
Ho Mi Nie, counsellor at One Hope Centre. The Straits Times, June 2026
Illegal sites use free credit to keep people betting. A 35-year-old told The Straits Times one site gave him S$500 to start and let him settle up only after losing. He bet daily, even at work and on the train, and lost at least S$500,000 over more than a decade (The Straits Times, November 2024).
Worried about yourself or someone you love?
- A free, confidential first conversation
- Assessment by Solace Asia’s clinical team in Kuala Lumpur
- Residential and online programmes
Debt, loan sharks and how to help a compulsive gambler
The 35-year-old above also owed licensed and illegal moneylenders, and changed course after loan sharks harassed his wife (The Straits Times, November 2024). Credit Counselling Singapore says unlicensed moneylenders have no legal right to recover debts, and advises reporting any harassment and keeping evidence (CCS, February 2026).
A real story
A man in his mid-30s told The Straits Times he started betting on football at university. From 2023 he gambled at the casinos almost daily and ran up about S$500,000 of debt in roughly six months, then relapsed into online betting and added S$200,000 more. He closed his IT business, filed for bankruptcy and now drives a taxi. He sought counselling at One Hope Centre once he accepted that his gambling was an illness needing proper treatment. (The Straits Times, June 2026)
How to help a compulsive gambler
NCPG suggests finding out whether your family member is willing to see a professional, then helping them book an appointment, or pointing them to the anonymous helpline or webchat. You can call the helpline yourself for advice (NCPG, 2026). The Family Matters service at NAMS counsels relatives even when the person who gambles is not in treatment (NAMS, 2026), and our family workshop has the same aim.
Where to get help in Singapore
- National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1800-6-668-668: daily, 8am to 11pm, with a webchat. You can stay anonymous, and what you share is confidential (NCPG, 2026). To book a harm assessment and counselling, call NCPG on 6354 8154 (NCPG, 2026).
- National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) at IMH: assessment and treatment, including individual, group and family therapy and GAME, an eight-session group to help patients stop gambling. Book on 6389 2200; subsidised care needs a polyclinic, CHAS GP or public hospital referral (NAMS, 2026).
- Community agencies: NCPG lists One Hope Centre, WE CARE Community Services (which hosts Gamblers Anonymous meetings), Blessed Grace Social Services and others (NCPG, 2026). See why counselling is important for gambling.
Exclusion orders: self, family and third-party
An exclusion bars a person from the two casinos, jackpot machine rooms at private clubs and Singapore Pools online betting (NCPG, 2026).
- Self-exclusion: you apply for yourself (NCPG, 2026).
- Family Exclusion Order: a spouse, child, parent or sibling (including step and adoptive relatives) can apply when a family member’s gambling has seriously harmed the family. You must tell the person; NCPG can issue a provisional order if more harm is imminent (MSF, 2026; NCPG, 2026).
- Third-party exclusion: imposed by NCPG on financially vulnerable citizens and permanent residents who gamble at the casinos or have a poor credit record (NCPG, 2026).
At the end of 2023, 356,659 exclusion orders were active (MSF).
Different views: are Singapore’s safeguards enough?
The Government says the safeguards work. Minister Masagos Zulkifli said the 2023 survey showed they remain effective (Mothership, November 2024), and Minister K Shanmugam called the problem gambling rate low and stable at about 1%. He also said there are no plans for now to let families have a gambler’s bank accounts blocked, as MP Yip Hon Weng had asked (MHA, January 2025). Critics point to gaps. Counsellors believe illegal online betting is undercounted, and 32 excluded people bet through Singapore Pools accounts that should have been closed (MHA, August 2026). The Auditor-General also found that 120 excluded people were let into the casinos between 2023 and 2025. The authorities say the errors were fixed as of February 2026 (The Straits Times, October 2026).
When residential treatment may help
Most people should start with the local help above. Treatment usually combines talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, with group and family therapy and peer support (APA, May 2024). A residential stay may be worth considering when:
- betting continues despite counselling or exclusion orders
- most betting is on illegal sites that exclusions cannot reach
- gambling comes with depression, anxiety, or alcohol or drug use, which calls for dual diagnosis treatment
- debt and conflict at home make day-to-day recovery hard
Solace Asia offers residential treatment for problem gambling in Kuala Lumpur, with family support and aftercare. See our page for Singapore residents.
When to get help
- Talk of suicide or self-harm: Samaritans of Singapore on 1767 (24 hours), or CareText on WhatsApp at 9151 1767. In immediate danger, call 995 for an ambulance or 999 for the police (SOS, 2026).
- Harassment by loan sharks: 999 in an emergency, or the Police hotline on 1800-255-0000 (SPF, October 2026).
- Debts piling up: Credit Counselling Singapore on 6225 5227 (CCS, February 2026).
Am I addicted to betting if I only bet during big tournaments?
How often you bet matters less than control and harm. Betting more than you planned, chasing losses, hiding it or borrowing, even only during tournaments, are warning signs.
Is online betting legal in Singapore?
Only through Singapore Pools, the one licensed operator. Betting with an unlicensed operator is an offence, with a fine of up to S$10,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
Can I stop my husband or son from gambling?
A spouse, parent, child or sibling can apply to NCPG for a Family Exclusion Order covering the casinos, jackpot rooms and Singapore Pools online betting. You must tell them you are applying.
Does a gambling addiction always need rehab?
No. Many people start with counselling, support groups and exclusion orders. Residential treatment may help when betting continues despite that help, or comes with depression, anxiety or heavy drinking.
Talk to us
If you or someone you love is struggling with betting, contact the Solace Asia team for a free, confidential consultation. We can talk through what is happening and whether residential treatment would help. If cost is a concern, our sister retreat Salus offers residential treatment at a lower cost, in a different residential location, maintaining Solace’s clinical standards for treatment.
References
- American Psychiatric Association, “What Is Gambling Disorder?”, reviewed May 2024. psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder
- National Council on Problem Gambling, “When does gambling become a problem?”, accessed November 2026. msf.gov.sg/ncpg/learn-more
- World Health Organization, “Gambling” fact sheet, 2 December 2024. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/gambling
- Tan R, Tay EH, Shahwan S et al., “Recognition and Stigma of Gambling Disorder in Singapore”, Journal of Gambling Studies 42, 161-180, published online 18 November 2025. link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10899-025-10457-0
- Mothership, “Fewer S’pore residents gamble, 4D & Toto remain popular: Survey”, 28 November 2024. mothership.sg/2024/11/fewer-spore-residents-gambling
- The Straits Times, “Fewer Singapore residents gambled, but more do so online illegally”, 28 November 2024 (republished by The Star). thestar.com.my/aseanplus
- Gambling Regulatory Authority, “Unlawful Remote Gambling Activities”, accessed November 2026. gra.gov.sg/harm-minimisation
- Ministry of Home Affairs, “Number of Illegal Gambling Websites and Apps Blocked and Banned in Singapore”, written reply, 8 January 2025. mha.gov.sg/media-room/newsroom
- Ministry of Home Affairs, “Addressing illegal gambling and problem gambling during FIFA World Cup 2026”, 9 June 2026. mha.gov.sg/media-room/newsroom
- AsiaOne, “60 nabbed, over 600 sites blocked, $600k in attempted transactions denied in crackdown on illegal gambling”, 26 July 2026. asiaone.com/singapore
- The Straits Times, “Singapore to ramp up efforts against illegal and problem gambling during World Cup 2026”, 9 June 2026 (republished by Yahoo News Singapore). sg.news.yahoo.com
- The Straits Times, “Man addicted to illegal online gambling stole his child’s funds to fuel his next bet”, 28 November 2024 (republished by The Star). thestar.com.my/aseanplus
- Credit Counselling Singapore, “Borrowing from unlicensed moneylenders”, 24 February 2026. ccs.org.sg/articles
- National Council on Problem Gambling, “Does someone you know need help?”, accessed November 2026. msf.gov.sg/ncpg/services
- National Addictions Management Service, Institute of Mental Health, “Our Services” and “Contact Us”, accessed November 2026. nhghealth.com.sg/imh/nams
- National Council on Problem Gambling, “National Problem Gambling Helpline and WebChat” and NCPG homepage, accessed November 2026. msf.gov.sg/ncpg/services
- National Council on Problem Gambling, “Other Support Services”, accessed November 2026. msf.gov.sg/ncpg/services
- National Council on Problem Gambling, “Overview of Exclusions and Visit Limit”, “Apply for Self-Exclusion”, “Apply for Family Exclusion Order” and “Third Party Exclusions and Visit Limits”, accessed November 2026. msf.gov.sg/ncpg/services
- Ministry of Social and Family Development (Ask MSF), “Who is eligible to apply for a Family Exclusion Order or Family Visit Limit?”, accessed November 2026. ask.gov.sg/msf
- Ministry of Social and Family Development, “Gambling and Problem Gambling Related Statistics”, accessed November 2026. msf.gov.sg/research-data
- The Straits Times, “Gambling regulator fines Singapore Pools, MBS and RWS total of S$275,000 for non-compliance”, 9 October 2026 (republished by The Star). thestar.com.my/aseanplus
- Ministry of Home Affairs, “Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore investigation outcomes and regulatory actions taken on excluded persons betting through Singapore Pools accounts”, written reply, 4 August 2026. mha.gov.sg/media-room/newsroom
- Samaritans of Singapore, homepage, accessed November 2026. sos.org.sg
- Singapore Police Force, “77 persons investigated for unlicensed moneylending activities”, 6 October 2026. police.gov.sg/Media-Hub/News
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