3 days ago
With basketball betting, complacence on youth harms would be a costly mistake
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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.
