More than Half of Singapore
Gambles; But Only 2 in 100 at Risk of Gambling Addiction
A Ministry of Community Development, Youth and
Sports (MCYS) survey conducted from December 2004 to February 2005 found that
58% of Singapore residents aged 18 years and above have taken part in some
form of gambling activity over a one year period.
However, only a small minority of 2.1% reported
symptoms suggesting probable pathological gambling. This is comparable to the
results of similar studies in Hong Kong and Macau, which are also
majority-Chinese urban societies.
CAMP, which stands for the Community Addictions
Management Programme, has a treatment programme for gamblers with problems.
Since 2002, it has seen only about 90 cases. This suggests that most depend on
the support of their families and friends, and from the community in general.
However, some may not have come forward to seek help.
Overall, the survey findings show that gambling is
prevalent among Singaporeans. However, only a small minority may be at risk of
being addicted to gambling. Nevertheless, more can be done to address the
problem.
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