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South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- South China Morning Post
With basketball betting, complacence on youth harms would be a costly mistake
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification The Hong Kong government's proposal to legalise basketball betting has reignited debate. While proponents argue that legalisation will curb illegal gambling and generate revenue, there is a troubling complacency regarding the harms of youth gambling. Officials point to low reported cases of youth problem gambling as evidence that the issue is under control. This reasoning warrants closer examination. Low case numbers do not equal low harm; they may reflect systemic failures in detection, support and societal awareness. Research shows young people are among the least likely to seek help for problem gambling. A 2021-22 study by the University of Hong Kong found that 33 per cent of respondents aged 14-17 were aware of the problem gambling hotline, compared to 40 per cent among those aged 22-39. Among all 2,006 respondents, only 50.1 per cent were aware of counselling and treatment services, which only 0.4 per cent – four persons – had used. Many young gamblers don't recognise their behaviour as problematic, often confident that they can stop anytime. This false sense of control is exacerbated by the social nature of sports betting. The consequences of untreated youth problem gambling extend beyond mere statistics. Academic performance declines, job stability falters and developmental milestones – forming healthy relationships, achieving financial independence – are disrupted. Family dynamics also suffer; parents who discover their children's gambling habits often make confrontational interventions, leading to domestic conflict or even violence.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Broadcasting Standards Authority upholds RNZ broadcast
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has agreed with RNZ that a 'fleeting' reference to overseas legislation in a broadcast interview - about the risks of young people developing problem gambling habits from playing video games - was not materially misleading. The BSA has not upheld Leon Xiao's complaint about the December 2024 Morning Report interview with the Problem Gambling Foundation's Director of Advocacy and Public Health. In March, the Media Council upheld a complaint by Mr Xiao about an online article based on the same interview. The BSA decision is available here . The earlier Media Council ruling is available here: Xiao and Radio New Zealand Ltd - 2025-014 (9 June 2025) .
