Macau: 60% of problem gamblers receive family help

A survey has revealed the impact of problem gambling among families.

Macau.- The Sheng Kung Hui (SKH) Macau Social Services Center has published the results of a survey for which it interviewed 124 participants affected by a family member’s gambling addiction. The purpose of the poll was to analyse the impact of gambling-related problems on family members.

More than 60 per cent of respondents said they had helped a family member with their gambling addiction, either by paying off debt or paying most household expenses. More than 40 per cent said they felt they had a responsibility to pay off the debt of their family member, while 33 per cent said they should not “interfere” with their relative’s gambling behaviour to avoid damaging their relationship.

SKH suggested that an online counselling team be established with the sole purpose of helping participants deal with debt. It also revealed that it has registered more than 22,000 requests for assistance with gambling problems on its phone helpline and online platform since it launched its gambling counselling service in 2014.

Last year, Macau’s Social Welfare Bureau confirmed the city’s lowest problem gambling rate in a decade with only 52 gambling disorder cases.

See also: Macau set to register lowest problem gambling rate in a decade