Families of inveterate gamblers can now breathe a sigh of relief from their relatives who are addicted to gambling. The two casino resorts in the island-state are fully collaborating with the government’s Family Service Centres in conjunction with the National Problem Gambling Association to launch an exclusion facility that will hopefully protect and safeguard dependents and other family members of gamblers.
The main feature for this facility to work is to enable the families and dependents of problem gamblers to report the compulsive gamblers and have them legally barred from entering the casinos in the island. The facility in effect empowers the immediate members of the concerned families such as spouses, children, parents and siblings to report these gamblers and apply for Family Exclusion Orders (FEO).
The facility will even entertain requests from adopted and step relations in a sincere effort to safeguard the financial interests of the concerned families. Those with physical or mental disabilities can still apply for FEO through a legal guardian or any extended family member or a government-appointed person. The same rule applies in cases where the family member is still a minor (below 21 years old).
Applications for the FEO must be in person at any Family Service Centre. Additional information can be obtained through the National Problem Gambling Association 24/7 helpline.