We discussed the topic of legalising soccer betting on Money Matters on September 15, 2003. Today we would like to take a look at what has happened three months down the track. There are worries in the community about the gambling habits of secondary students, following a survey in October conducted by Hong Kong Gambling Watch, an anti-gambling group. Many young people admitted to betting on soccer matches after August 1. Sixty eight per cent of the young gamblers began to bet on major European leagues once soccer bookmaking was authorised. Twenty five per cent of those surveyed were problem or pathological gamblers, according to the American Psychological Association Standards. They spent an average of $1,200 a week on bets and 4.8 per cent of them even sought the help of loan sharks when they wanted to increase their capital. The most disturbing news was that some of the students accepted bets from their classmates. Obviously, the underage gamblers were breaking the law by involving themselves in football betting. Just over 4 per cent of those surveyed admitted they could enter the Hong Kong Jockey Club off-course betting branches. Bets were also placed through Telebet, mobile betting services as well as online. With the situation apparently getting worse, the government has said it plans to review the policy two years after the enactment of the Betting Duty (Amendment) Ordinances. However, it is not just the government that can cure such a social malady. Parents must play a key role, while schools can take action if they detect any illegal gambling. The concern over underage gamblers centres around their inability to voice their problems or seek help. They do not have earning power and are hooked on the dream of winning in an attempt to recover the losses. Occasionally, they may win a little, but in the long term they will inevitably lose. Relationship problems, financial difficulties and a range of harmful emotional disorders can then afflict the gambler and their wider circle of family and friends. If your friends or classmates indulge in gambling, you can refer them to Caritas AG Counselling Centre in New Territories and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals centre in the city. The hotline for professional counselling services is 1834 633. Dr Sze is the president of the Society of Registered Financial Planners If you have a money-related question, send it to yp@scmp.com with Money Matters as the subject
