SINGAPORE : Some say gambling is all about luck, but some organisations are not leaving anything to chance, especially when it comes to tackling the issue of problem gambling among youths.

It all started at the age of 13, with a few simple rounds of cards and mahjong. But for “Danny”, a former gambler, it soon spiralled into an addiction.

“Danny” said: “Nobody can get rich from gambling. But we do not believe that we are the majority, we believe that we are the minority, we will win.”

Now aged 23, he is helping others overcome their gambling addictions.

Edward Jobs, executive director, Christian Care Services Centre, said: “It does not mean that after 60 sessions you are free from gambling. We need to help them handle their triggers and their cravings. Because as you know, gambling is not a prohibited thing in Singapore. It is available around the corner anytime.”

Counsellors said the average profile of a youth problem gambler is a Chinese male aged between 18 and 24 who usually bets on soccer matches.

Studies indicate that almost 71 per cent of pathological gamblers started gambling between the ages of 18 and 24, while 18 per cent of all pathological gamblers started below the age of 18.

Mr Jobs said the youngest person he has ever counselled was 13 years old and owed S$14,000.

According to a survey conducted by students of Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Communication, Arts and Social Sciences, almost half of all Singaporean youths spend up to three hours a day surfing online. So some counsellors are hoping to tap the internet’s potential to reach out to youth gamblers.

Mr Jobs said: “The United States is much more advanced than us. Some of the centres there are already on cyber (counselling) and it seems to be quite effective. So we are going to learn how they do it. I intend to learn with my team and come back and set up a proper cyber counselling centre.”

The Christian Care Services Centre runs a programme to tackle gambling addiction called “Ray of Hope”.

Meanwhile, students from the Singapore Management University, the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University are using the internet to raise awareness about problem gambling. They launched a community youth outreach programme called “Play it Right” earlier this year, including a group page on the social networking site Facebook.

The campaign is already in its second phase and includes outreach efforts to polytechnic students.

The National Council for Problem Gambling is also using similar means, with online videos and a weblog to complement their “Know the Line” campaign. – CNA/ms

By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 27 December 2009

Gambling, gambling addiction, Singapore, youth, youth gamblers