New 24-hour phone betting service starts for football matches

New 24-hour phone betting service starts for football matches

[SOCCER] Football-crazed Singaporeans now have a 24-hour telephone betting service for matches, but organisers advised users on Thursday to exercise caution.

 Singapore Pools, the betting operator, agreed to adopt a responsible gambling code introduced by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

 "The whole idea of having the new phone-betting initiative is not to attract new gamblers, but punters who are currently betting" with illegal operators, a Singapore Pools spokesman told The Straits Times.

 The NCPG urged gamblers to be cautious and avoid chasing losses.

 "Research has shown that greater accessibility to gambling opportunities could lead to an increase in problem gambling," the NCPG said.

 Football enthusiasts who want to take advantage of the 24-hour service must first sign up for the "Goal Account." It is open to anyone above 21 and will remain active until August next year when the system will be reviewed.

DPA