Number of clubs with jackpot machines down one-third as stricter regulations bite

SINGAPORE — The number of clubs operating jackpot machines have fallen by a third since the Government clamp down last year on clubs paying lip service to conditions for operating slots by making jackpot gambling the main activity on their premises.

There are now 42 clubs operating slot machines, a sharp decline of 31 per cent from 61 last October, the Home Affairs Ministry (MHA) said in a media release on Thursday (May 3).

As a result, there are currently less than 1,500 jackpot machines in private clubs, a 20 per cent drop from 1,800, the ministry added.

Detailing the reduction, the MHA said seven clubs did not re-apply for a fruit machine permit after theirs expired on Oct 31 last year. In the same month, permits were granted to 46 clubs that met the revised criteria, with four ceasing their operations “on their own accord”.

As for clubs which did not meet the revised criteria, eight were granted a six-month interim permit, though they have since ceased their jackpot operations as of April 30 this year.

Two more social safeguards to prevent problem gambling also kicked in on Tuesday (May 1), the MHA said on Thursday.

Individuals applying for self-exclusion to jackpot rooms at private clubs can now do so with a one-time application, instead of having to do it on a club-by-club basis.

The onus is now also on clubs to enforce the exclusion scheme under the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

This means that any individuals who are barred by law from the casinos or are kept out because of their financial situations or family’s objections must also be denied entry to jackpot rooms by these clubs. In the past, enforcement of the scheme by private clubs is entirely voluntary.

The stricter regulations, which took effect on Nov 1 last year, were introduced by the MHA, in conjunction with the Ministry of Social and Family Development, to reduce the availability and accessibility of jackpot machines. The aim is to better shield individuals from the harms of jackpot gambling.

Among the measures introduced are restricting entry to private clubs’ jackpot rooms to individuals who are above 21 years old and have been member with the club for at least a year.

Members are also barred from bringing in guests, and the jackpot rooms’ daily operating hours are set at 10am to 11pm.

Operators are not allowed to advertise or promote their jackpot machines outside the rooms or on websites, and facilities such as Automated Teller Machines, NETS and credit card payment systems are forbidden within the gaming rooms.