When gambling starts to feel difficult to control
Gambling may become a concern when it is difficult to stop, when losses lead to repeated deposits, or when gambling begins to affect sleep, relationships, work or household finances. You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help. A practical first step is to pause gambling and avoid making decisions while feeling under pressure.
Stop depositing and do not try to recover losses by gambling more. Move available gambling funds away from easy access where possible, and tell a trusted person what is happening. Sharing the problem can make it easier to maintain a break and can provide another person who notices if gambling starts again.
Immediate steps for a safer pause
- Close the gambling session and do not make another deposit to chase a loss.
- Record any urgent bills or financial commitments that must be protected.
- Remove saved payment details and promotional notifications where you can do so.
- Ask someone you trust to help you review access to money and gambling accounts.
- Contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline if you want confidential guidance or support options.
These steps are not a substitute for counselling. They are short-term ways to create distance while you decide what support is appropriate.
Self-exclusion and taking longer-term control
Singapore law gives self-exclusion a specific statutory meaning and scope. The Casino Control Act is the relevant primary source for that meaning. Self-exclusion should not be treated as a simple promise to stop or as the same thing as every account setting offered by a gambling service.
The National Council on Problem Gambling provides information about self-exclusion routes, counselling and other help. Its guidance can help you understand which support route may fit your circumstances. If you are unsure what applies, ask NCPG rather than relying on a promotional message or an informal online claim.
Where to get problem gambling support
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1800-6-668-668. NCPG also provides webchat, counselling and information about self-exclusion routes. These options are intended for people who are worried about their own gambling as well as people seeking help for someone close to them.
When contacting a support service, you can explain only what you are comfortable sharing at first. Useful details may include how often you gamble, whether you are chasing losses, and whether gambling has affected money or relationships. You can also ask what happens next before agreeing to an appointment or counselling route.
Choosing the right first contact
| Situation | Practical first contact | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| You are worried about your gambling | NCPG Helpline 1800-6-668-668, webchat or counselling | A brief description of the pattern and any urgent concerns |
| You want to understand self-exclusion | NCPG information and the applicable statutory source | The type of gambling access you want to restrict |
| You received a suspicious gambling message | Police referral and ScamShield guidance | The sender, message, number, link and time received |
| You suspect a scam or need anti-scam help | ScamShield Helpline 1799 | Do not share passwords, one-time codes or further payment details |
Handling illegal gambling messages
Do not assume that a message is legitimate because it uses a familiar logo, urgent language or a link that looks professional. Do not reply, click through, provide identity details or send money simply because a message claims that an account or withdrawal is at risk.
The Personal Data Protection Commission’s published guidance says that illegal gambling messages should be referred to the Police. Keep the message and relevant details if it is safe to do so, including the sender, telephone number, link, payment request and time received. You can also use ScamShield’s guidance for checking scams and contact the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for anti-scam help.
For related information about suspicious offers and complaint routes, see complaints and scam warnings. This does not verify a particular message or establish who sent it.
Protecting money, accounts and personal information
During a gambling-related dispute or scam concern, preserve records before deleting them. Keep transaction references, receipts, emails, chat messages and screenshots if available. Do not send additional money to unlock a withdrawal, pay a supposed release fee or prove an account.
Use separate, strong passwords for important accounts and avoid sharing one-time passwords or full payment credentials. If you have already disclosed sensitive information, contact the relevant bank or payment provider through an independently verified channel and ask what protective steps are available. ScamShield can provide anti-scam guidance at 1799, but do not treat any incoming caller or message as verified merely because it mentions that number.
Supporting someone close to you
Approach the conversation calmly and focus on observable effects rather than accusations. You might say that you are concerned about repeated deposits, unpaid commitments or secrecy around money. Offer to help contact NCPG, attend a conversation about support, or put practical safeguards in place with their agreement.
A family member or friend cannot control another adult’s decisions, so protect your own finances and personal information as well. Do not cover repeated losses if doing so places essential bills or your financial security at risk. NCPG’s helpline, webchat and counselling information can also help people seeking support for someone else.
Urgent situations
If gambling is connected with thoughts of self-harm, threats, violence, immediate danger or an urgent medical situation, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not stay alone with an immediate safety risk. Ask a trusted person to remain with you while urgent help is arranged.
For non-immediate concerns about problem gambling, contact NCPG at 1800-6-668-668. For scam-related concerns, use ScamShield’s 24/7 Helpline at 1799. If the issue concerns illegal gambling messages, refer the information to the Police as advised by the published authority guidance.
scamshield.gov.sg · pdpc.gov.sg · ncpg.org.sg
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Problem Gambling Helpline number?
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is 1800-6-668-668. NCPG also provides webchat, counselling and information about self-exclusion routes.
What should I do with a suspicious gambling message?
Do not click links, reply or send money. Preserve the relevant details if safe, and refer illegal gambling messages to the Police. ScamShield also provides scam-checking guidance and the 24/7 Helpline 1799.
Is self-exclusion the same as closing an account?
Not necessarily. Singapore law gives self-exclusion a specific statutory meaning and scope. Check the Casino Control Act and NCPG’s self-exclusion information for the applicable route.
Can I contact NCPG about someone else’s gambling?
Yes. NCPG’s support information covers people seeking help for problem gambling, including concerns involving someone close to them. You can begin by asking about available support and counselling options.
What is ScamShield Helpline 1799 for?
ScamShield’s 24/7 Helpline 1799 provides anti-scam help. Do not disclose passwords, one-time codes or further payment details to an unsolicited caller or message.