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The number of gamblers seeking help for their addiction has risen over the past year. And according to the counselling centres, about seven in 10 of them say the casinos at the integrated resorts are the main reason for their money woes.
A check with six of the bigger voluntary welfare organisations offering counselling to gamblers showed they have been seeing more people since Resorts World Sentosa opened in February last year, and Marina Bay Sands in April last year.
For example, a year ago, volunteer organisation One Hope Centre used to see 40 to 50 people at its weekly support sessions for gamblers. Today, it sees between 70 and 80 a week.
The Hiding Place halfway house in Jalan Kayu used to see 10 people at its weekly sessions. This has risen to 30. We Care Community Services in Kampong Bugis used to have one 15-member support group for family members of gamblers three years ago. Today, it has three groups totalling 45 people. The surge took place after the casinos opened.
A check with six of the bigger voluntary welfare organisations offering counselling to gamblers showed they have been seeing more people since Resorts World Sentosa opened in February last year, and Marina Bay Sands in April last year.
For example, a year ago, volunteer organisation One Hope Centre used to see 40 to 50 people at its weekly support sessions for gamblers. Today, it sees between 70 and 80 a week.
The Hiding Place halfway house in Jalan Kayu used to see 10 people at its weekly sessions. This has risen to 30. We Care Community Services in Kampong Bugis used to have one 15-member support group for family members of gamblers three years ago. Today, it has three groups totalling 45 people. The surge took place after the casinos opened.
