SINCE April, when families can start applying to have their loved ones barred from casinos here, close to 80 people have made enquiries about such family exclusion orders.

Of this number, 14 families have gone on to the next stage towards getting the gambler in their family banned from gaming tables, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) said on Friday afternoon.

Most of these 14 gamblers are Chinese males, aged between 30 and 60-years-old and have 'O' levels or higher education.

However, it will be still some way to go before any family exclusion order is issued. These 14 families have to submit a formal application to the council, go through a hearing session chaired by a NCPG member before such orders are issued.

These orders are part of the social safeguards to ensure that the casinos opening do not lead to more gambling problems.

To apply for a family exclusion order, you have to go in person to the Tanjong Pagar Family Service Centre located at #03-06 Central Plaza, 298 Tiong Bahru Road.