City records less than 3% of youth addicted to gambling

Over the past five years, Macau has recorded data showing that less than 3% of youths suffer from gambling disorders, Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) President Hon Wai has said.

The data was disclosed by Hon in his reply to lawmaker Ella Lei’s earlier written inquiry about gambling problems among youths.

Hon further said that, since 2009, his bureau had conducted annual surveys on the prevention of youth gambling through non-governmental associations. Survey results over the past five years indicated that the proportion of local youths with suspected gambling disorders ranged between 2.2% to 2.9%.

Additionally, Hon said that the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) commissions research entities to conduct surveys every two years to determine indices in relation to local youths.

The latest results are expected this year, Hon disclosed, adding that the survey involves questions related to the development of the gambling industry and youths.

Hon also described other work done by his bureau in relation to problematic gambling among youths. A cross-departmental taskforce concerning youth policies have compiled “multifaceted operation plans” to prevent problematic gambling among youths.

He emphasized that the DSEDJ had been in constant contact with various stakeholders to raise awareness at high-risk times, such as by sending letters to schools before the World Cup Finals in 2022. The DSEDJ has also promoted values of financial responsibility during Lunar New Year.

Hon said that, since 2015, his bureau had collaborated with local associations to educate students about personal finance and problematic gambling. Since 2021, the program has expanded to train the trainers, teaching teachers how to help construct healthy financial values in students.

In the future, Hon said, the program is expected to further expand to teach parents good financial values. Measures and tactics catering to university students are also in place, Hon confirmed.