Gambling is a multi-faceted and emotional issue for the public. The members of the Council come from diverse backgrounds and represent a cross-section of society and the Council has engaged and sought the views of the public. These invaluable comments have helped the Council craft and calibrate appropriate responses and strategies to tackle the various problem gambling issues.

It is important to note that the Council’s mandate is to prevent and reduce problem gambling and not to advocate a specific moral position for or against gambling per se. The first national prevalence survey commissioned by Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) in 2005 showed that while a majority (58%) of adult Singapore residents gamble, a minority (2.1%) are probable pathological gamblers. Although the proportion of probable problem gamblers may be small, problem gambling nevertheless already exists and needs to be addressed, especially with the impending introduction of the Integrated Resorts in Singapore.