Singapore Anti Gambling Ad scores own goal

Singapore scores own goal with anti-gambling ad featuring German win – Zawya (registration)

The Singapore Anti Gambling Ad scores own goal with by featuring German win. Zawya (registration)By Caroline Ng SINGAPORE, July 9 (Reuters) –

Singapore has scored an own goal with its World Cup anti-gambling ad which features a crestfallen boy telling his friends his dad bet his life savings on Germany – who have just reached the finals by humiliating the host nation, Brazil, 7-1.

The video, which has run every day of the World Cup, went viral on social media soon after the Brazil game ended and Singapore government ministers were quick with some tongue-in-cheek remarks.

“Looks like the boy's father who bet all his savings on Germany will be laughing all the way to the bank!” Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin wrote on his Facebook page.

“Germany beat Brazil 7-1! Brazil need to find out what went wrong and I need to find the script-writer for the gambling control advertisement,”

appropriately named Minister for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said in another post.

The National Council on Problem Gambling said the ad was a timely reminder of the possible effects of gambling on loved ones and not to get carried away in the “excitement and hype” of the World Cup.

“Selecting Germany injected a sense of realism in our messaging, since no one will bet on a potentially losing team,” a spokesman said.

“At the end of the day, win or lose, the dangers of problem gambling, and the potential anxiety and pain that loved ones go through, remain unchanged.”

Impact of the Advertisement Campaign

The ad significantly raised awareness about problem gambling, sparking widespread discussion.

Following the campaign, the National Council on Problem Gambling reported an increase in public awareness.

There was also greater engagement with support services related to gambling issues, reflecting the ad's effectiveness in instigating dialogue.

The anti-gambling campaign comes as some Singaporeans have been embroiled in one of the world's biggest match-fixing scandals.

Last year, an enquiry by European police forces uncovered a global betting scam run from Singapore.

History of Gambling Regulations in Singapore

Singapore has had a complex history with gambling regulations. Initially, gambling was heavily restricted.

Over the years, laws have evolved to balance economic benefits and social impacts.

Key developments include the establishment of legal betting outlets in the early 2000s. This preceded the controversial decision to allow casino operations in 2010, marking a shift towards a regulated gambling framework.

The Singaporean government launched the anti-gambling organisation in 2005.

Five years later it allowed the opening of two multi-billion dollar gaming resorts in 2010.

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