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Fewer gambling addicts registered last year: IAS

2021-01-21 02:41     Comment:0

A total of 77 gambling addicts were added last year to the Social Welfare Bureau’s (IAS) central registration system, a 30 percent decrease compared to 2019’s 110 people, IAS Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling and Drug Dependence Department Chief Cheang Io Tat told reporters yesterday.

Cheang made the remarks on the sidelines of the launch ceremony for “Bosco Youth Service Network Go Go Goal” on the Ilha Verde campus of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ).

According to Cheang, 77 people, most of them aged between 30 and 39, asked the bureau for assistance in tackling the gambling problems. He said that the decrease could be due to fewer people revealing their gambling addiction during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

Cheang pointed out that it is easier for young people to become addicted to gambling than older people, and therefore the bureau is working hard to reach out to youths that are in need to help them with “hidden” addiction problems.

According to an IAS statement handed out during the event, youths are easily addicted to drugs or gambling because the brain development allows them to be more adventure-seeking. The statement said that the bureau has collaborated with the Bosco Youth Service in setting up an app that challenges youths to complete specific tasks during the day. The statement said that the tasks include exercising, community services, volunteer work, and further study.

The statement said that the app requires youths to register and keep track of their activities. The statement added that once the young people have accomplished a task, they can earn points in exchange for prizes. The statement pointed out that the aim is to gradually help youths to build a healthier life style and keep them away from any forms of addiction.


Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling and Drug Dependence Department Chief Cheang Io Tat.

Photo: Prisca Tang

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