The migrant workers helping to stop problem gambling

These exclusions may be made by migrant workers themselves, or employers with their consent. It effectively bars them from these gambling activities for at least a year.

But some workers may be seeking a way back in. Non-governmental organisation Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC), which helps workers apply for self-exclusion, said it received more enquiries on how to remove these exclusions in 2026.

These workers hope to find leisure during their off days, accompany friends to gamble or simply want to try their luck again. Such enquiries peaked during the Chinese New Year season when migrant workers who did not return home had more free time, said NCPG.

Since March, MWC has worked with NCPG to help migrant workers understand the implications of removing their self-exclusion. Workers submit the applications through the relevant channels, and MWC does not review, process or approve them.

Miah Md Sakil, also a safety coordinator, said he joined the C.a.N ambassador programme in January, after seeing signs of gambling issues among migrant workers around him.

Some are distracted at work, while others avoid friends because they owe them money.

Sakil has since convinced 15 “migrant brothers” to apply for self-exclusion. One had been visiting the casino up to five times a month and lost a total of $12,000.

“This is maybe three months, four months’ salaries for the workers,” Sakil said. “It is really heartbreaking.”

Migrant workers typically use their salaries to repay agency loans, which can range from 10 to 15 lakhs, or about S$1,200 to $1,900, he said. The rest is often sent home to support their families.

“You will lose your dreams and hopes,” Sakil tells workers he speaks to.

Apart from talks in dormitories and worksites, NCPG chairman Sim Gim Guan said it takes “a more coordinated and sustained outreach approach” to raise awareness of the harms of problem gambling. It now works closely with the Ministry of Manpower, the police and MWC to spread the message.

They have placed banners at dormitories warning of gambling problems, produced self-exclusion guides in six languages, and conducted outreach at places frequented by migrant workers.

A Resorts World Sentosa spokesperson said it runs a programme providing resources on gambling risks and safeguards, with help from its Responsible Gambling Ambassadors. Patrons can speak to these ambassadors for advice and assistance on responsible gambling matters.

MBS said it was not able to provide comments or information for this story.

Over the past three years, MWC has helped more than 260 migrant workers apply for casino self-exclusion.

MWC director Michael Lim said: “We encourage workers to consider self-exclusion as a preventive measure, even if they do not currently face gambling-related challenges, if they feel it would help them avoid gambling.”

Similar preventive efforts are extended to foreign domestic workers through the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), which raises awareness about financial management, responsible decision-making and how to seek help.

CDE also supports workers through its helpline and channels, referring them to professional agencies where needed. Employers are engaged as well, as they are often the first to notice when something is amiss.