Commenting on TikTok games with gambling element, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan said people may be drawn to these games because of the sense of empowerment the activity provides. “It gives people a sense of agency as they are able to do something for themselves. There’s also the notion of social approval, when people watching the games congratulate them for winning or cheer them on, it can provide personal satisfaction because of affirmation from people,” she added. Prof Straughan also said it is the parents’ duty to watch over their children, who may be vulnerable to such risks online. Meanwhile, SMU Assistant Professor of Law Jerrold Soh pointed out that unlicensed online gambling is prohibited under the Gambling Control Act, and noted that young people tend to be more vulnerable to negative online influences and to getting caught in vice. He added, “Worryingly, some online gambling games are designed with colourful cartoon graphics and loud upbeat music, which can entice children especially. If a child clicks on or participates in just one, recommender algorithms inbuilt on most social media platforms may start pushing more and more such content to them.”