Responsible Gambling
Resources, tools, and support for Singapore players
If you need help right now, call the NCPG helpline:
1800-6-668-668
National Council on Problem Gambling — free, confidential, available daily
Visit NCPG WebsiteGambling Responsibly
Gambling is a form of entertainment enjoyed by many people in Singapore and around the world. For the vast majority, it remains a leisure activity with no lasting negative consequences. However, for some people, gambling can become a problem that affects their finances, relationships, work, and mental health.
maxim88casino.asia is committed to promoting responsible gambling. We encourage all players to set clear limits before they play, understand the risks involved, and seek help promptly if gambling stops being fun.
Remember: The house always has a mathematical edge. Gambling should never be used as a way to earn income, recover debt, or escape from personal problems.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. It is important to recognise the warning signs early. Ask yourself — or observe whether someone you know — displays any of the following:
- Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose, including money meant for rent, bills, or food
- Spending increasing amounts of money or time gambling to get the same level of excitement
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you try to cut back or stop gambling
- Chasing losses — continuing to gamble in order to win back money you have already lost
- Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the amount you gamble
- Neglecting work, school, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Repeatedly failing to stick to your own limits or intentions to stop
- Gambling as an escape from stress, depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties
- Feeling guilt or shame about gambling, but continuing anyway
If you recognise three or more of these signs in yourself, it may be time to seek professional support. This is not a sign of weakness — problem gambling is a recognised condition and effective help is available.
Bankroll Management Tips
Responsible gambling starts before you place a single bet. Good bankroll management helps you enjoy gambling within your means:
- Set a budget before you start: Decide in advance how much you are willing to spend — and treat it as the cost of entertainment, not an investment.
- Only gamble with disposable income: Never use money set aside for household expenses, savings, or debt repayments.
- Set a time limit: Decide how long you will play before you begin, and stop when the time is up regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
- Do not chase losses: If you lose your budgeted amount, stop. Chasing losses typically leads to larger losses.
- Take regular breaks: Step away from the screen every 30–45 minutes to reset your perspective.
- Never gamble under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making at the tables.
- Keep a record: Track your wins and losses honestly. Most players lose money over time; having a clear record makes this visible.
Deposit, Session, and Loss Limit Tools
Responsible online casinos — including Maxim88 — offer built-in tools to help players control their gambling. These tools are free to use and can be activated through your account settings:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month. Once the limit is reached, no further deposits are accepted until the period resets. Increases to deposit limits usually take 24 hours or more to take effect, providing a cooling-off period.
- Loss Limits: Cap the total amount you are permitted to lose within a given period. When the limit is hit, you cannot continue playing until it resets.
- Session Time Limits: Receive an automatic notification or logout when you have been playing for a set amount of time.
- Reality Checks: Periodic pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing your casino account. See below for more detail.
To set any of these limits, log into your casino account and navigate to the Responsible Gambling or Player Protection section. If you cannot find these options, contact the casino's support team directly.
Self-Exclusion Options in Singapore
National Self-Exclusion Registry (NSER)
Singapore operates a National Self-Exclusion Registry (NSER), administered under the Casino Control Act. Registering with the NSER bars you from entering licensed casinos in Singapore and restricts access to certain gambling-related services. The exclusion is enforceable by law, making it a serious and effective tool for those who need a hard stop.
Applications can be made through the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (CRA) or through the National Council on Problem Gambling. To find out more, visit www.ncpg.org.sg.
Casino Voluntary Exclusion
In addition to the national registry, online casinos typically offer their own voluntary self-exclusion tools. At Maxim88, you can request a temporary suspension (e.g., 1 day, 7 days, 30 days, or longer) or a permanent exclusion. Once a permanent exclusion is applied, it cannot normally be reversed for a minimum cooling-off period. Contact the casino's support team or use the account settings to initiate exclusion.
Third-Party Blocking Software
Browser-based blocking tools such as Gamban and GamBlock can block access to gambling websites across all devices. These tools are particularly useful for online gambling self-exclusion, where casino websites can otherwise be accessed from any device.
Support for Affected Families
Problem gambling does not only affect the individual — it has a significant impact on partners, parents, children, and close friends. If someone in your life has a gambling problem, you may experience financial stress, emotional distress, broken trust, and conflict at home.
Support is available for family members and loved ones:
- The NCPG offers counselling services for both individuals with gambling problems and their affected family members. Call 1800-6-668-668 to speak to a counsellor.
- Gamblers Anonymous Singapore runs support groups where family members can share experiences and access peer support. Visit their meetings page for schedules.
- Family members may also seek a third-party exclusion order through the courts under Singapore's casino regulation framework, which can bar a family member from entering casinos. Contact the NCPG for guidance on this process.
- The Ministry of Social and Family Development funds social service agencies that provide family counselling and financial assistance. See www.msf.gov.sg for a directory of services.
Useful Resources
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — Singapore's primary body for problem gambling support. Helpline: 1800-6-668-668
- Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) — Social services, family support, and financial assistance
- Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support groups for people with gambling problems and their families
You are not alone. Many people recover from problem gambling and rebuild their lives and relationships. Reaching out is the most important step. If you are in crisis, please call the NCPG helpline now: 1800-6-668-668.