$1,000 win from a bet of 20 cents led to 20 years of addiction to jackpot machines

More people are voluntarily banning themselves from jackpot rooms here, such as Florence, a 46-year-old mother of two. There were 4,878 self-exclusion orders from jackpot rooms in force at end-December last year, a 25 per cent jump from 3,895 such orders at end-2020.

Florence lost at least $1 million over the years and owed banks and licensed moneylenders more than $500,000. PHOTO: PIXABAY
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SINGAPORE - Florence's addiction to jackpot machines started with a small bet of 20 cents.

Her husband was meeting his friend at a recreation club and told her she could try her luck at the jackpot room if she was bored waiting for him at the club.

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