Question

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Ministry will consider regulating the sale of gaming cards or gift cards providing for credit values for online gaming in many retail or convenience outlets so that children and young people below the age of 18 years will not be allowed to purchase such cards by themselves and without the approval of their parents.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Gan Kim Yong

1. The Government does not have plans to regulate the sale of top-up cards for online gaming at this time. Nevertheless, we recognise that gaming addiction among youths is an area of concern. It is a complex and multi-faceted issue requiring both social interventions to engage and support affected youths and working with the industry to put in place safeguards to reduce the risk of gaming addiction. Agencies will continue to work together to monitor the situation and intervene if needed. We will also regularly review our laws to keep them up to date with technological trends.