NCPG and exclusion

The NCPG, the National Council on Problem Gambling, is where Singapore handles exclusion orders, visit limits and help for people affected by gambling. Its site runs the national helpline and an e-services portal used with Singpass. This page explains the tools in plain words, using the NCPG site and Singapore Pools' own page on self-exclusion, both read on 11 November 2026.

Help first: the helpline and webchat

The National Problem Gambling Helpline is 1800-6-668-668. NCPG also runs a webchat that is available every day from 8am to 11pm. Both are for the person who gambles and for family members who are worried about someone. The NCPG site also points to its counselling and harm assessment services; appointment booking is done online, and the site announces when the online booking is unavailable.

Four tools on the NCPG portal

The NCPG e-services portal lists several services. Self-Exclusion is the one you apply for yourself, as an individual; there is also a version for organisations. The Family Exclusion Order is applied for by family members. A Third Party Exclusion Order or Visit Limit can be appealed through NCPG, and there is a separate procedure to declare indebtedness or non-indebtedness. The Voluntary Visit Limit caps how often you visit instead of excluding you outright. The portal also lets you check the status of an exclusion or a visit limit.

Self-exclusion from the Singapore Pools Account

For online betting the practical tool is self-exclusion from the Singapore Pools Account. You apply with Singpass on the NCPG website, or in person at one of the ServiceSG centres that Singapore Pools lists: Bukit Canberra, Kampong Chai Chee CC, Keat Hong CC, Nee Soon Central CC, Our Tampines Hub, One Punggol and The Frontier CC. The exclusion takes effect immediately after submission. Existing account holders can no longer access the Account, and people without one cannot open one.

The minimum period is 12 months. After that the exclusion does not end by itself: it stays in force until you successfully apply to revoke it through NCPG, again with Singpass. Singapore Citizens and PRs may be asked to complete an online psycho-education courseware or attend two counselling sessions at an NCPG-appointed agency before revocation. NCPG can be reached on 6354 8154 for help with revocation.

When to consider it

Singapore Pools lists three situations in which self-exclusion is worth considering: when gambling is stressing your finances, health or relationships; when you feel out of control and need a break; and when you want to commit to changing your habits. It also offers a self-assessment test and a budget calculator on its Safer Play pages.

What exclusion does not reach

Exclusion works through licensed operators and venues that check it. An offshore online casino does not check NCPG orders, and a person who is excluded and gambles there anyway is still within section 31 of the Gambling Control Act, which deals with gambling by underaged and excluded persons. That is one more reason the law page matters. Blocking tools on the phone and bank-level controls can help close the gap, and NCPG's counsellors can talk through what fits.

Scams around help services

The Ministry of Social and Family Development warns on the NCPG site that scammers impersonate it on social media. Do not click unknown links or give bank or card details. If you are unsure, the ScamShield Helpline is 1799, available 24/7. NCPG and Singapore Pools will not ask you for a deposit to process an exclusion. If someone offers to lift an exclusion for a fee, or to open an account for you while you are excluded, treat it as a scam and report it.

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