Eight new patients turn up every month at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to get help for their gambling addiction, compared to just one case for the same period in 2002, Channel NewsAsia reported citing IMH figures.

The problem is serious enough for counselors and experts to suggest the establishment of a center to treat gambling addiction, the Singapore-based regional broadcaster reported on its website.

This could educate Singaporeans on the potential of becoming hooked to gambling and devise programs to help those most at risk, it said.

Legal sports betting operations and lotteries are extremely popular with Singaporeans who can also satisfying their gambling itch at the horse racing club.

Some travel to casinos in nearby countries like Malaysia or take trips on cruise ships that offer gambling on board once they leave Singapore waters.

The government is considering whether to give the go-ahead for Singapore's first casino, which has been proposed as part of a planned entertainment center on the popular Sentosa resort island.

The proposal has sparked a rare public outcry in Singapore, with critics saying it could spawn gambling addicts and ruin poor families.

The government has long opposed a casino in Singapore but is considering the plan to boost the tourism sector.

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